For most of my life I have heard from non-Christians the criticism that Christians are hypocrites. That was my Dad's biggest defense against anything that pertained to Christianity. And, particularly in the modern Church, it seems to be beyond just hypocritical; it's apostate! But I can only be concerned about me.

As a young mother and a new Christian I soaked up theology/doctrine like a sponge. I listened to tapes while doing housework and studied commentaries while my babies slept. I was insatiable. Having been raised by very strict and disciplined (non-Christian) parents, it was imperative that I strive for "perfection" and that carried over into my Christian life. My marriage looked perfect, my children were well-behaved and appeared perfect, and my Walk was onward and upward. As I reflect back, I liked that phase of my life.

But then the children began to grow and have minds of their own. They were making decisions outside my control and boundaries. I could no longer maintain or dictate how we would all behave and appear to others.

One day at Church a very precious woman complimented me on my "perfect" home and family. She and her husband had adopted two infants (as it turned out they were drug-babies) and were having a terrible time. They were truly Godly people and so much more genuine than I. That was a profound moment for me because I realized that what I was giving off was really a false perception. I resolved at that moment to no longer *appear* to be what I was not....a "perfect" Christian and mother.

I want to be soooo careful not to give false impressions...either good or bad. While all of us Christians know that we are imperfect and need our Advocate to stand in our defense, I realize that, as the Body of Christ, we neglect the high calling that is ours and we also look too much like the World. That gives credence to the hypocrite charge. But also within the Body there is a need to be authentic and not hide our problems and failures. When I came to recognize the damage to this precious mother's confidence that my *appearances* were causing, I knew it was time to stop playing the game. There was a need to acknowledge that I was just like everyone else....struggling to walk in a manner worthy of the calling that is in Christ Jesus.

We've been encouraged to be genuine with our children, family, and one another as we battle the sin nature and it's trends. I think if we carry that over into our sphere of influence with non-Christians...being real and honest, our impact will be more positive. And we will have a less condemning heart that otherwise may give the appearances of having attained a sinless perfection that denies the reality of the Gospel. The main difference between Christians and non-Christians is that we have the Holy Spirit Who gives us the power and desire to pursue God's ways. The "real" me knows that. :~)