Deception

She walked with confidence into the job interview. The online listing and profile of the marketing company appeared to be a good match; and given her current situation, she could use a break. The mounting stack of bills and rent were depleting her resources and her spirit. She presented herself very well and toward the end of the interview felt she had nailed it. There was no need to even question compensation further as the interviewer had been quite pleased to say that they represented top established firms and that she would be looking at some rather comfortable numbers each week.

After years of pouring every spare moment into writing and tweaking the manuscript, it was finally ready to publish. The struggling author had no contacts and no solid advice as to taking the next step but was sure the biographical novel had the right mix of compelling drama and enlightening historical perspective to win a contract with a publisher. Many months later, he received a positive response from an independent publisher back East who, after reading the manuscript, agreed to sign him.

You’ve found your dream home. You’d been looking for a property with beautifully landscaped grounds and flowering gardens; this one with the patio and gorgeous pink flowers is prettier than any you have found.

Unfortunately, you can’t count on life to play fair. If your expectations don’t align with those of your Heavenly Father, you will continually find disappointment in shortcomings or failure. Our Maker didn’t create us to go it alone; we are fearfully and wonderfully made and designed for more than seeking to meet our own, often times, narrow view of life. Imagine reaching fulfillment in areas of life you didn’t feel prepared for and not calling it coincidence. Find joy in using talents and abilities you didn’t know you had. Develop a sense of purpose in something greater than yourself. A life that includes a commitment to prayer makes that happen. You don’t have to have all the answers; you just need to know where to find them. And it doesn’t ever mean you’re perfect or better than the next guy, but a life well-lived in Christ is the foundation for expecting greater things than you can do on your own.

Don’t be deceived. Seeking spiritual discernment and guidance is part of living your faith; thinking you alone can sift through the mystery and the falsehoods are not recipes for success.

Well, that job was less than presented. The marketing firm’s business model was actually to solicit customers at big-box retailers before they leave the store with the goal of signing them up to a contract with satellite TV. Commission only.

The aspiring novelist? Upon reading the fine print of the contract offer, he found that the publisher required him to pay publishing costs for the project and then, for the privilege of being published, would only receive a tiny percentage of any sales revenue generated.

Side note: that most spectacularly landscaped residential property you were ready to make an offer on should probably come with a disclaimer that pets and small children are at risk. Those ornamental trees and shrubs in the yard are Oleander; the toxin in the flowers are deadly. No problem you say; no kids, no pets. Sorry, the burning wood from its trees in your fireplace or fire-pit is also toxic.

Be alert. Don’t fall for the next best thing. It’s a jungle out there.

“Three-minute exposure; a snapshot of life’s imperfect harmony,” by Stew McAuley.

Encouraging your Christian Worldview.