March 23


Being Real


… God is the One I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I still wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10b (NCV)


My small group was at a serious crossroads. It was truth time. Open up and spill your guts to your friends night. Actually, it was our last session studying the book, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. I had just asked the question, "What keeps you from getting out of the boat?"

It was quiet. Outside our hosts’ second-story windows the sun had sunk behind the mountains. I wondered if the brilliant red and purple sunset was God’s way of cheering us on. I looked across the dim, cavernous living room. Jeff and Katie, Chris and Jenn, Tara, Chris and my own Kris were all thinking. I cleared my throat and broke the ice.

“For me it’s people. I’m a people pleaser. Many times, I don’t listen to God’s call and step out, because I don’t want to disappoint others. I refuse to get out of my comfortable life raft for fear of what others will think.”

My comment was like a hot spark on dry kindling. Soon almost everyone was sharing, and we spent a long time talking about fear and worry. We opened up with each other that night, and something happened. Our group changed for the better, and we grew close. I came face to face with my biggest spiritual roadblock that night and so did everyone else.

When we become real with each other, something wonderful happens, something transforming. Something so good…. Being real is a treasure to share.


Father, thank You for all my special friends. They mean so much to me. Help us to grow close. Amen.