Embracing Authenticity: The Heart's True Reflection (06/21/'24) -Message

Embracing Authenticity: The Heart's True Reflection Dear Beloved Community, In our journey of faith, we are often tempted to present ourselves in the best possible light, to show the world our purest facade. Yet, it is far better to be known as a sinner by the world than to stand before the Lord of Spirit as a hypocrite. The façade of purity may win us hollow victories, but it only masks the soul’s true narrative. Remember the words of Jesus: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” In the sacred temple of truth, pretense must dissolve, giving way to the enduring glow of sincerity. We are called not to speak with gilded tongues and empty praises, but to let the fervor of our hearts ignite our words. In the quiet sanctum of repentance, we must lift prayers that are unfeigned, pure, and undeterred. Walking a flawed path, though known to the world, is a far better journey than living a spiritual charade. For God, in His divine wisdom, sees beyond our outward acclaim and applause, into the depths where genuine love and contrition reside. I urge you to strip away the layers of deceit and reveal your heart’s truth. In the eyes of the Lord, complete is the soul that stands honest, healed, and sealed. Let us honor God not only with our lips but more so with our hearts. In this union, the Spirit finds its true dwelling. Though the path of authenticity is fraught with flaws, it is the journey where the Spirit meets the heart in its purest form, unadorned and sincere. May we strive to walk this path together, embracing our imperfections and seeking the true reflection of our hearts before God. In Faith and Truth, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 21, 2024)