My Packaged Heart

Over the course of my life I have been pretty good at image
control. I’m positive its part of the reason I chose to major in
Marketing.

 

The idea that you can use words, images, and the like to
influence the perception of something or someone fascinates me.

 

But what happens when that transfers over to your heart?

 

While in Romania, I was sitting in the quiet attic of an
orphanage having a late night conversation with a friend. We began to share
what the Lord had been doing in our lives and I had started talking about my
latest victories and challenges.

 

However, a “humble� statement downplayed each personal
victory and the challenges were justified by some smooth P.R. mumbo jumbo.  I thought I was doing a great job of
portraying the humble attitude I hope to have and to not be too whiney about my
frustrations when…

 

“Stop.�

“Huh?� I said.

“Stop trying to package your heart.�

 

Here was someone who just wanted to hear about where I was
really at, and I was giving them “Politician Joshua — He knows just what to say
without being real!�

 

I say that I desire to be transparent; that I desire the
BODY OF CHRIST to be transparent. Instead I was so concerned about how things
might be perceived that I kept “packaging� every statement.

 

Where does this concern come from? What’s the root of the
issue?

 

I believe that for many it is a fear of rejection; and many
in the Christian sphere are walking around with that root wrapped around their
hearts. It may have been a seed spoken by a teacher, a friend, or a parent; but
those words of rejection came straight from the enemy.

 

That seed grows over time, each new rejection watering the
seed, and causes us to retreat. To hide away the “not-so-pretty parts� and
stick to what is safe.

 

I spent most of my life with my heart packaged by some nice
wrapping paper, a bright shiny bow, and a tag:

 

 

That was safe.

But I’m tired of safe.

 

The reality is when you rip off the paper, throw the bow to
the side, and throw away the tag my heart might not look too nice.

 

 

And God is showing me just how truly beautiful a real heart
can be.

 

If I’ve been called to lead this incredible group of people,
how can I ask for transparency while my own heart remains hidden? Who wants to
follow a man who hides away his true heart?

 

As I remove the packaging and honestly share where I’m at, I
often find love and acceptance. I’ve also found silence and rejection.

 

That’s right. I’m not here to tell you that being vulnerable
always works out in your favor. It doesn’t. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it
wounds.

 

But to play it safe, to keep it packaged, is one of the
biggest mistakes you could ever make.

 

So rip off that pin striped wrapping paper. There’s no need
for that multicolored bow.

 

God didn’t create our hearts to be hidden by what man deems
acceptable. He created our hearts to stand just as they are.