Do we all live two lives? It seems so common that what people see on the outside and what’s really going on the inside are two entirely different things. Think back to school, we all knew how to please our teachers; heck, we were experts at writing completely different essays depending on who was marking it. At work, we put up a good front when the boss comes by, we sit up a little straighter, our face changes to one of concentration rather than boredom, and our energy level miraculously jumps from 4 to 10. We change our clothes, our body language, and our behavior to impress others, to make them think we’re a little bit better than we really are on the inside. And because people often judge others by outward appearance, our deception often works, that’s why we keep doing it. We even do it when we’re sick – really play it up so we get some sympathy care.
This false front idea has been around for ages. Religious people prayed grandiosely in front of crowds, flailing about, some even strapping Bible verses to their foreheads. People must surely be thinking, “Wow, these guys are committed. They are really in touch with God, they are full of the Spirit.” Full of something, I agree.
What would happen if we lived in a world free from these pretenses? Sometimes I look around at the people I run into at the hospital, my lovely neighbours, a village community, and I am so inspired. These people are solid. They wear their hearts on their second-(or fourth or fifth)hand sleeves, their inside matches the outside; in fact shines brighter than the clothes and “stuff”. They invite you in, give you food, give you gifts, take time out of their day just to visit with you. They are full of love, and you see it clearly in their eyes and hear it clearly in their voice. There is no deception, no façade. They’re not worried about how they present themselves to others, and really, why should that be any different from the way they appear every day? I’m not saying there isn’t judgment and superficiality in Zambia; people do dress to impress at times, but I’m meeting people who are really living for others, for God, rather than for themselves.
Old habits die hard. It is difficult to reconcile two opposing sides of yourself; we’re all afraid of being judged by others. And sure, what does that matter, right? Right, but it still affects us. Constantly. And maybe in some ways, we’re a bit afraid of seeing “the real me”, and really afraid of letting everyone else see it. But I’m thinking that if we spend less time worrying about our clothes, shoes, and how other people see us, we can focus more on the inside, and that part can then only grow and improve. Let your paint match your foundation. People will then start to recognize you by your actions and your attitude – they’ll recognize the tree by its fruit.
Zambia has some good trees.
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