Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:1-2

An article years ago in U.S. News & World Report brought to light a very sneaky practice by some manufacturers of common household goods. In an effort to save costs, these companies were reducing the amount of product in their packaging without reducing the size of the package. And it was going completely unnoticed by the general public!

A box of a well-known laundry detergent, for example, that once held 61 ounces now only holds 55 ounces. Same size box, less soap!

It’s interesting how something can be wrapped in a certain way in order to disguise what’s really on the inside. Take people, for example. How many of the people you see at church on Sunday are well dressed with their best smiles, yet inside they’re struggling deeply? Most people would probably be shocked to find out the struggles their ‘super-spiritual’ friends are having!

Be authentic. Now, that doesn’t mean you vent your struggles and frustrations to everyone, but it does mean you’re open and honest about what’s going on in your life. Peel back the pretty wrapping and show others what’s really on the inside.

Prayer Challenge:

Pray and ask God to help you open up to others and be honest about the struggles you’re facing.

Questions for Thought:

What’s your biggest apprehension about how others would react to your complete honesty about what’s really going on in your life? Is that fear from God?

What’s one struggle you have today that you’ve been keeping to yourself? To whom can you open up about that struggle?