One Of A Kindنموونە

No one wants to be known as a fake. When you think of something that’s fake, what comes to your mind? Maybe it’s that text message you got that says you won a million dollars or even some flashy jewelry that we definitely know aren’t real diamonds. Whatever it might be, when you find out something is fake when you were expecting the real thing, you can be pretty disappointed. You can be disappointed when people who you thought were your friends say some mean stuff behind your back. Or you can be disappointed when someone acts a certain way when you know they’re usually a different kind of person. It can be hard to deal with people that are fake when you only want the real thing. 

But let’s be honest…being real can be tough. You might think it’s easier to be fake, especially at home, at school, or maybe even at church. It can be easier to put on a fake smile or a fake laugh rather than tell someone what’s really going on. Or maybe putting on a fake smile makes you feel just a bit better, almost like you’re fooling yourself.  Sometimes it might even feel like the people around you would rather you be fake than real, because being real can be messy. 

But Jesus doesn’t want us to fake anything with Him. Instead of running AWAY from us or our mess, Jesus loves to run right to us. He sees the real you, and He loves what He sees. He wants you to be real with Him, no matter what. If you’re upset, Jesus wants you to tell Him. If you are having a hard day, Jesus wants to hear all about it. He doesn’t just want you to come to Him with the good things that are happening in your life, but He wants you to trust Him with everything. Jesus not only handles our mess, but He wants us to give it over to Him. 

If you’ve ever felt like you’re too much for Jesus…know that He loves you just the way you are. No matter what you’ve done, Jesus just wants to know you. He wants you to trust Him with every part of you, including the real parts that you feel like you can’t show others. You never have to feel like you have to be fake with Jesus, because He already knows the real you. And He happens to think that the real you is pretty great. 

The best way for you to learn to trust Jesus is to spend some time with Him. Each morning, take some time to read some verses of scripture before school. You can even ask your small group leader, youth pastor, or maybe even your parents or grandparents to give you some recommendations. As you read, remind yourself that Jesus loves who you are, and never wants you to be fake with Him.