SINCERITY vs. hypocrisy
Definition: Eagerly doing what is right with transparent motives.
Object lesson from nature: The pearl oyster.
The shimmering beauty of a cannot be rivaled, yet this precious gemstone actually begins as a tiny irritant that the oyster covers with layers of nacre, or mother of pearl. As the nacre hardens over the grain of sand, the pain and suffering of the pearl is eased. Every genuine pearl is the result of years of inflammation from the tiny irritant. Cheaper cultured pearls are formed when a pearl farmer places a glass bead inside the oyster and harvests it after a thin layer of nacre covers the bead. It looks real on the outside, but it is not a genuine pearl and it will chip and dull easily. There are no shortcuts for making a rare and expensive pearl…it takes years of accepting suffering. We should learn from the example of the patient pearl oyster, which slowly covers the irritant and produces a genuine, priceless jewel. We must desire to be sincere, not hypocritical, and be transparent as to our motives. God is glorified as we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to others in order to win them to Christ. We must learn to view suffering as a way to grow and become more valuable in God’s service.
Application: I will…
 | be all that I can be. |
| take responsibility for our own actions. |
| respect others’ opinions. |
| always mean what I say. |
| not take advantage of other people. |
This material is gathered from the Character First Education series, Volume 1. It can be purchased at the Character First!® website.