Sincerity

During one of our Youth Group classes we were reading through 1 Corrinthians 9. The Apostle Paul responded to those who accused him of being in it for the fame and the money. Needless to say he was hurt and mad. His integrity had been challenged by those who didn't know him and were jealous of his popularity as he went around teaching about Jesus. So in this letter, Paul directly addresses his sincerity.

When the class reading got to the this place I asked the kids what sincerity meant? Surprisingly none knew! We waited two minutes and I realized that some important terms regarding character are not being taught thus the teens aren't ever challenged by them. The odd silence was broken when a boy hesitantly answered "is it when you are really real?"
The word used in the Greek is SINE CERA. This is where we get our word sincere, which actually means WITHOUT WAX. It refers to the sculptors that made marble statues or fine pottery. If when during their work, a piece would fall off or a crack, the project should be scrapped and a new one begun. But money mattered and dishonesty and dishonesty was prevalent. So artisans of less integrity would take some of the marble or clay dust and mix it with wax. They would use it as a cosmetic glue to restore the item to a "perfect" state and maintain the premium price.

In Greece and the surrounding areas, temperatures would rise high during the day causing the the wax to melt and the product would eventually show its flaw.
Sculptors and potters with true integrity would have no choice but to painfully abort the project and begin another. They would accept the loss of time and money for the sake of their integrity desiring to deliver a premium product. In fact these particular craftsmen would hang a sign of guarantee over their shop that would read "SINECERUS" ("WITHOUT WAX").
Our life application here is this;

When situations in your life become difficult or hot, what gets exposed? Do your true motives show? And if so, what are they? Are you really concerned for others or is selfish ambition the driver of your actions. Are you willing to sacrifice time or money for the welfare of another or do you want for yourself so much that you are willing to be phony for a time to get it?

Sincerity represents a pure heart in what we do for others. God encourages us and in many places (Proverbs especially) to be sincerely motivated and not self seeking. The rewards for that come from Him. This is what He wants from us. This is how He treats.
For those of you who try with a sincere heart (not necessarily a perfect one) God will acknowledge and bless you in someway. It is not what we do that God is interested in, it is see why we do it.

No matter the temperature of a situation, God can see the wax and dust that fills the ugly cracks in our hearts. There is a great joy and freedom in doing something for another with a sincere heart. I had to pray often and continue to do so because selfishness is always knocking at the door wanting to return to its previous place in my heart and mind. Muse over your motives in helping others. If there is lack of sincerity in your job duties, volunteer service or in your relationships. Ask God to help you to achieve a heart without wax. He would love to help get you there.

PEACE