I just got back from a job interview at a local credit union. I think the interview went pretty well, and I must admit that I look pretty good on paper. The downside, of course, is that I’m much more disappointing in real life. The lady who was interviewing me had a list of questions that she asked. You know the kind: “Describe a time when you helped solve a problem.” “What is the greatest complement you ever received?” “How do you feel when you see a rainbow?” Ok, so maybe I made the last one up. Maybe. Anyway, while I’m answering these questions, I find myself saying what I know she wants to hear. In the short two hours I talked to them, they only got bits and pieces of the real me. I wasn’t trying to be deceptive, that’s just the nature of job interviews.

Sadly, this is also the nature of most churches. On paper, we’re expected to be sinless, polite, courteous and clean shaven. In reality we’re broken, poor, forgiven, and messy. So what do we do? We pretend like we live up to everyone’s expectations, just like I did in my interview today. I didn’t really lie to anyone, I was exactly what I appeared to be on paper. If I do get the job, however, time will reveal who I really am. After a few months, everyone will really get to know me. What will happen then? Well, hopefully they’ll like me, because I need the money.

If we extend the analogy to churches, by the time people find out who i really am, I’ve moved on to another church. I’m uncomfortable in any situation where people might find out who I really am. Sure, I may make up an excuse as to why I leave: the pastor preaches too long, I don’t like the music, I can’t believe they chose that color carpet, but I’m really leaving because of my own insecurity. How many people in your church are only around until people get to really know them? How do we create an environment in which people can be themselves? Are we that person?