I am one of those so-called stubborn elderly people holding onto my independence tooth and nail. I have rejected help, saying, "Please, let me do things in my own home." I find people are very helpful anyway, so when I can't get my coat all the way on, I step out of my unit into the hallway where there is always someone, and they all know by now that when I appear with my coat hanging, I need their assistance to look decent.

I do my own grocery shopping in the nearby store, and as usual, a helping hand is available to read the date on the milk bag. When I am trying to reach something with my better arm, a voice next to me says, "Let me get that for you." One day in the lineup, a young man before me offered his place to me and even helped put my purchases on the counter and then back into my baskets on the walker. I thanked him so very much and said, "You know, I am just making a big show here that I am crippled." He laughed, saying, "I like the acting and the show, but let me help you anyway." Everyone around was laughing.

Getting home, I thought about how I can make a big show before the Lord, but He is not laughing! He does not buy our falsehood going about things before Him.

I remember the day when I walked by an elderly person without saying hello or asking if she was okay. Coming home, it bothered me that I had shown kindness to some but not all. I tried to fool the Lord by demonstrating my human ability to reason around the truth, trying to pretend to God that I didn't do anything wrong. The whole thought escalated into a huge issue, and I struggled with being such a show. Finally, I whispered a prayer for the lady and asked for forgiveness that I had missed an opportunity to be kind. Since then, I have done better about greeting people, because that one time is not leaving my memory. I thank God for giving me new opportunities. How could I be so sincerely wrong and not dependent on Christ's complete truth about my situation?

In fact, He looks for a contrite heart that truly is sorry, hurting, broken before the Lord, and pleading for mercy. The forgiveness and grace of Jesus is the only way to become free of all the sin, doubt, and wrong in life. When we unload our heavy burden of sin at His feet, we can know that we are forgiven.

We can't fool Jesus, however we try! But Jesus does not fool us when He receives us as His lost sheep. The Lord asks us to be honest about ourselves — that's all.

Psalm 97:10 – Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. (NIV)

Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that "therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Amen! (Romans 8:1 NIV)

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