Plastic People or Blood Bought Believers?

CASTING CROWNS LYRICS
"Stained Glass Masquerade"

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay


This was the song requested by one of my kids this morning on the way to church. If you've never heard it--read these lyrics. If you've heard it, liked it, but never thought of the lyrics, please indulge me.

I was very challenged this morning again to these words. Am I one of these "plastic people" who give a performance at "church" w/o even knowing Im doing such a thing? The past couple weeks, I've been broken before God late at night. (or rather, early in the morning) This has happened maybe one other time in my Christian walk. Why is that? Shouldn't my posture towards Christ be a continually broken spirit? It's bothered me at my lack of sensitivity to sin. God has been working in me much lately, I know that for sure. I don't know what He is doing, but I am praying that He will change me and use me for Himself alone--and that I will COMPLETELY get out of the way.

Then this morning AT church. It is the kick-off to our annual Missions Conference. What a joy these have been the past 4 years at Berean. Our keynote speaker this year is Paul Washer. I can't tell you when I've "felt" so, so....thankful for a sermon. Not that the Gospel, gives a "feeling" but I'd like to challenge you to listen to the message he preached this morning. I will warn you. It won't make you comfortable in our American Christianity. If you are a believer or claim to be, this is in your face. It was in MY face. It was tremendously God-honoring, God edifying, God magnifying. It was anything but making one feel good and comfortable. It was about the Gospel. My heart was scrapped, opened, & impressed upon by the Gospel tonight. I pray this is a work in progress. God has promised to complete the work He started in me. I will be praying for that now; not using it as a cliche anymore; a random verse in scripture, often taken and used out of context. Oh how desperate my soul is and oh how I need the Savior--every minute of everyday.

He will be preaching all week and Im sure the messages will be available to download everyday. On the Berean website, click Audio Messages
and it will take you to files and choose Missions Conference Im sorry if this is too personal for some of you. Im very excited to see where God is leading me. I hope those of you who feel led, will pray for God to change me and conform me more to His Son.