The story...
Is it wise to imagine and create a positive self image? Why not choose a better identity and change how you wish to be perceived? You could plan and execute the change. Through interpersonal strength, you'd hold onto, and defend, the imagined reality even if it required bending the truth. Is that what it takes to be perceived as a good actor and reap rewards within the game of life? Sadly, imagined realities and stories don't mesh well with others who're doing the same. So, you might work to influence, manipulate, or control them so that they support your story. Treat them like supporting actors in the story of "me." It's hard to write this, let alone read it aloud - my inner-man seems like that.
Surely, living alongside other selfish people can be harsh. It may seem reasonable to adopt a self-created role that allows us to get along while "trying" meet our own needs. When efforts to get along don't work, we may pick up our toys and go home - stay isolated. We might seek warmth and comfort by wrapping up in that old-raggedy blanket of our self image - sounds a bit cold and Grinchy.
The only church in town will share God's revealed Word about the nature that we were born with - that selfish, self-sustaining, and self-promoting nature who thinks of me first. They'll hear about what God did to redeem His creatures, pay our God-offensive sin debts, so that we might walk through this life and eternity with our most holy God and Father - peacefully. Wow, they'll hear that good news there - "the" story to know and share.
Just for today...
"Sometimes the greatest growth comes through pain, but it's not the pain that helps me grow, it's my response to it. Will I suffer through the experiences and continue as before or let the pain inspire change that helps me grow?" Courage to Change (p. 330)
"Imagined greatness; Happiness to garner - Resist His truth; Life dwindles afar." Am I a Poet?
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