Which one of me do you see?

Do you have any inconsistencies in your walk and talk, or do they match up pretty much all of the time? I would have to be totally honest here and let you know my walk doesn't always match my talk! We all have times when our behavior we are engaging in just doesn't 'match' our stated beliefs - acting one way with a certain group and another with the other. When we are 'scrutinized' we may act one way, but when we aren't, how do we act? When Peter was not being "scrutinized" by those belonging to the group of the Jewish "conservatives", he did not find it offensive to eat with non-Jews. But...when the "conservative" Jewish brothers were in town, he refused to associate with the non-Jewish believers.He was definitely being a little "two-sided" in his behavior - walk not always matching his talk.

But when I saw that they were not maintaining a steady, straight course according to the Message, I spoke up to Peter in front of them all: "If you, a Jew, live like a non-Jew when you're not being observed by the watchdogs from Jerusalem, what right do you have to require non-Jews to conform to Jewish customs just to make a favorable impression on your old Jerusalem cronies?"

(Galatians 2:14)

We cannot ignore the fact of our inconsistencies because we are probably as concerned with making a "favorable" impression in some circle of individuals we associate with - some of us even act a little bit like 'social climbers', seeking the attention of those in positions of power! We act one way when not being watched by the 'judging' set of eyes, but a completely different performance is observed when oversight is likely to occur. I wonder if we treat God this way? I am thinking we just might on occasion - almost thinking he doesn't observe our behavior, or know our thoughts! There are times when we think God is not really watching us too closely - those are the times we allow ourselves to indulge in the things God has declared to be unwise, harmful, or misaligned with his will for our lives. You have heard the example of the couple or family who argues all the way to church in the car, but once they hit the parking lot of the church, smiles appear, arms are around each other, and kindness abounds! It is as though God wasn't there with them in the car on that entire ride!

For some of us, we'd call this being "two-faced". What we are and do in private differs from the image we put forth to the public for 'common view'. This is a very dangerous place to live! Whenever we allow inconsistencies between what is done in private and what we are in public, we are trying to straddle the fence of dual allegiance. When it suits us, we align with Christ - when it doesn't, we make an excuse for our behavior. If we have to make an excuse for our behavior, we probably feel we have to defend it! I'd rather have God be my defense - he does a much better job! Behavior will not always align as it should, but be quick to admit when it doesn't. Don't cover it up. God appreciates our honesty! Just sayin!