The Real Robert Redford

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. (Hebrews 4:13, NLT)

There's a story about a woman finding herself alone in an elevator with the famous and very handsome Robert Redford. As the elevator moved up the floors, the woman found herself uncontrollably staring at the movie star. Finally, in her excitement and nervousness, she blurted out: 'Are you the real Robert Redford?' To which Redford responded, 'Only when I'm alone.'"

Most people wear masks like the old Greek theatre. We can put on appearances and wear masks to make people think that we are far better than we really are. Yet we know that the real person, the real you is what you are when you are alone with your thoughts. You may well be able to fool others but you cannot fool God – he sees right through any façade.

From DAY LIGHTERS by Nico Bougas. Available from amazon.com

Outward Appearance

“Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”" (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT)

In his book, Modern Times, Paul Johnson notes that Stalin was short--just five feet, four inches tall. Furthermore, a childhood accident had left his left arm stiff and his hand slightly misshapen.

So when the dictator commissioned his portrait, he instructed the artist to paint him from his best angle--from below, a perspective that made Stalin seem to tower over the artist. To add to the image, Stalin folded his hands over his stomach, making them appear firm and powerful --more like the pseudonym he had chosen: Stalin, which means "man of steel."

It is natural to try to present ourselves in the best possible light. But God’s Word is a mirror that shows us our true light. We may be able to deceive others. But there is nothing hidden from God.

As Abraham Lincoln said, "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time."

DAY LIGHTERS by Nico Bougas available from amazon.com