By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith
As they did renovation on the old building not far from my house recently, I 
noticed that the frontage of the building was, in reality a façade! While it appeared to be a very large structure, it was, in reality a much smaller building, hiding behind a false front … like many Christians I fear.
Have you ever read these verses … I mean, ever REALLY read them?
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24, ESV)
The façade of faith simply ignores verses like this. I mean, does Jesus really expect us to do this? I have become convinced that he does.
My friend Dave Ferguson has challenged us this year to lead ourselves every day. As I have taken time to review my life each morning, using the REMS tool he wrote about at the beginning of the month, I have come to realize that I simply need to do an accounting of my relationships each day.
Is there anyone who “has something against you?” is one of the questions I ask myself often. As I ask and answer this question honestly, and take the steps to reconcile relationships, I painfully rip off the façade of faith. What a liberating feeling it is to live in genuine faith!
So, let me ask you: Is there anyone who “has something against you” right now? How are you going to take care of it? How will you “be reconciled to your brother” before you go back to worship next weekend?
