Dressed To Deceive

[bluidkiti]

Dressed To Deceive By Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. —Matthew 7:15

Hiking in the mountains of Utah, Coty Creighton spotted a goat that didn’t look like the rest of the herd. A closer look revealed that the unusual animal was actually a man dressed as a goat. When authorities contacted the man, he described his costume as a painter’s suit covered in fleece, and he said he was testing his disguise for a hunting trip.

The hunter’s deception reminds me of Jesus’ words: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). False teachers do not bear the fruit of God’s Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Rather, they “walk according to the flesh . . . and despise authority” (2 Peter 2:10). They are bold, egotistical, and given to greed (vv.10,14). Ruled by their own desires, they exploit people by using “deceptive words” (v.3). The Bible says these wayward spiritual leaders are headed for destruction and will take many unsuspecting and undiscerning people with them (vv.1-2).

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, rather than pursuing personal gain, laid down His life for His sheep. God does not want anyone to be misled by false teaching. He wants us to be aware of those who deceive, and follow Him instead—the true Shepherd of our souls.
At the name of Jesus
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess Him,
King of glory now. —Noel

Substitutes abound, but there is only one Christ.

[MajestyJo]

What came to mind was how we dressed to hide or to get attention. We wore tight short skirts, low cut blouses or wore them up to our neck or several sizes too big. We either exposed our bodies, often feelings of low self worth, or we hid it behind a wall so people wouldn`t see us for who we were.

We were unable to embrace ourselves mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or physically.

What kind of picture are we putting out to others or are you introverted and not allowing people to see the real you.

I can remember colouring my hair colour, style, and wearing hats to cover it up.

I got a uniform, a blazer or jacket, turtle neck sweater, generally black, boots, hats, jeans, and big earrings and bold so they made a statement (to my way of thinking) or made a noise, liked to hear the jingle jangle, wore less make up or none at all, everything seemed to be either or, and most times it wasn`t me, because I didn`t know who me was, and I started a spiritual search.

Will the real me please stand up. Still wearing the jeans, jacket, boots, hats and t-shirts in today, toned downed the make up if I remember to put it on, and along the way I allowed the lady to come out and wear dresses and skirts. If that isn`t okay for someone who is less than a month away from being 73, too bad! I accept myself, and when I put on jeans, I still feel kick a$$!

I know my God accepts me, where ever I am at. I am just grateful that I am not the un-lady kind of person who came into recovery, who resented `lady` when she showed up in her life. A lot of healing done in this area.