Disdain for Fakery

 

I. Disdain for Fakery

• Strong dislike for being fake and feeling awkward around it.
• Recently read How to Win Friends and Influence People via Headway.
• Book’s philosophy: Be agreeable and never make anyone feel bad.
• Struggles with this approach—naturally blunt and direct.
• Observes kindness being used manipulatively as flattery.

Scripture:

• “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)
• “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” (Proverbs 12:22)
• “Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.” (Proverbs 29:5)

II. Frustration with Superficial Happiness

• Dislikes being asked to smile for pictures.
• Rejects the notion that constant smiling equals happiness.
• Recognizes that comedians, despite bringing joy, often battle hardship.
• Values joy over happiness—sees joy as defiance against despair.
• Advocates for a balanced, realistic view of life, avoiding extremes.

Scripture:

• “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.” (Proverbs 14:13)
• “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2)
• “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

III. Commitment to Authenticity

• Turning 32 marked a commitment to being genuine.
• Feels secure, confident, and unimpressed by others’ expectations.
• Attributes confidence to knowing his identity in God.

Scripture:

• “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”(Psalm 139:14)
• “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
• “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’”(Hebrews 13:6)

IV. Refusal to Tolerate Fakery

• Declares unwillingness to maintain relationships with fake people.
• Rejects code-switching and commits to being the same person always.
• Prioritizes honesty over others' comfort or approval.

Scripture:

• “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
• “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)
• “If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!” (1 Corinthians 16:22)
• “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)
• “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)