Are you living in the mask of the false self? Think about the difference between the false and true self. The false self seeks security and significance by what it HAS, what it DOES and what others THINK of it. It finds its identity in the self it portrays to others through performance. One achieves this identity by pretense and is maintained through its own effort and control. The false self wears a mask so no one can see the “real you.” Jesus’ modeled the true self beginning with His first miracle in the wedding feast of Cana.
The true self seeks security and significance by being deeply loved by God. Its fulfillment is found by surrender to God. Identity comes from who it is and what it is becoming-in Christ. Instead of its own efforts and control, it is maintained by grace.
Jesus and His disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana. When Jesus’ mother said the wine was gone, He replied His hour hadn’t come yet. Jesus told the servants to fill the waterpots with water, draw some out and take it to the headwaiter. He learned the water became wine after tasting it. The headwaiter said to the bridegroom that every man serves the good wine first but he kept the good wine until now. This was Jesus’ first sign where He manifested His glory and His disciples believed in Him (John 2:1-11). Those who experience Jesus’ resurrection power reject performance and instead follow His instructions and see miracles in the ordinary events of life.
Jesus stayed a few days with His mother, brothers and disciples in Capernaum (John 2:12). Those who experience Jesus’ resurrection power reject busyness and instead pursue a quality relationship with Him.
Jesus drove out the animals and money-changers seated in the temple during Passover in Jerusalem. He poured out the coins, overturned the tables and told those selling the doves to stop making His Father’s house a house of merchandise. His disciples remembered it was written, “Zeal for Thy house will consume Me.” When the Jews asked for a sign showing He did these things, Jesus said “destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said the temple took 46 years to build and wondered how Jesus would raise it up in three days. Knowing He spoke of His body being the temple, His disciples believed the Scripture when Jesus was raised from the dead (John 2:13-22). Those who experience Jesus’ resurrection power reject personal agendas and instead have concern for the poor and His kingdom purposes.
Many believed in Jesus’ name by seeing His signs at the Passover. He didn’t entrust Himself to them for He knew all men. Jesus didn’t need anyone to bear witness concerning man because He knew what was in man (John 2:23-25). Those who experience Jesus’ resurrection power reject unrealistic expectations and instead set realistic boundaries.
Answer the following questions to determine if you operating in Holy Spirit power of the true self or in the flesh of the false self:
1. Are you spiritually open, aware, “connected”, receptive (true self) and growing or are you spiritually unaware, skeptical, closed, scornful and uninterested (false self)?
2. Are you genuine, honest, open and direct (true self) or dishonest, indirect, sly and controlling (false self)?
3. Are you compassionate, kind and forgiving (true self) or blaming, critical and bigoted (false self)?
4. Are you able to judge who to distrust and to trust with what (true self) or have difficulty discerning who to trust with what (false self)?
