1 John 7

 I have more questions than answers. What can you and I do to be transparent authentic followers of Jesus?  How much of the time do we fake being a true Christ follower in our thoughts and actions?  Do we allow others to see our hearts as we really are?  I grew up thinking it was inappropriate for a man to share our struggles and inadequacies, all the while most men never resolve their issues. Without a safe community of trusted brothers our sinful self sufficient mindset is passed on to others. 

“In the upside-down economy of Jesus, those closest to the bottom are nearest to grace. Polished and put together, many of us live our lives without a real, palpable need for God. We preach grace. But we’re working really, really hard to avoid hitting bottom ourselves.” - Chuck DeGroat, Toughest People to Love

“It is unfortunate that churches and Bible classes have been invaded by insincere people, people whose lives cannot stand to be tested by God’s light. “God is light,” and when we walk in the light, there is nothing we can hide. It is refreshing to meet a Christian who is open and sincere and is not trying to masquerade!” - Excerpt. Be Real (1 John) by Warren W. Wiersbe

“Impostor syndrome is not a disease. It's a normal response to internalizing impossibly high standards.  Doubting yourself doesn’t always mean you're going to fail. It often means you're facing a new challenge and you're going to learn.  Feeling uncertainty is a precursor to growth.” - Adam Grant