How many times have you heard someone say, “I just want people to be real?” We live in a world where exaggerating our accomplishments is revered. Embellishments by politicians are expected and people try everything they can think of to look younger; the Botox generation, so to speak.

Do you think God wants us to be real with Him? The dinner scene from the hit movie, “Meet the Parents” illustrates this point well. In the movie, the prospective son-in-law, Greg, is asked to say grace. Eager to make a good first impression, Greg really puts it all out there: “Oh dear God, thank you. You are such a good God to us, a kind and gentle…and accommodating God. And we thank you, oh sweet, sweet Lord of hosts…for the…smorgasbord…You have so aptly lain at our table this day…and each day…by day. Day by day by day. Oh dear Lord, three things we pray. To love Thee more dearly. To see Thee more clearly. To follow Thee more nearly…day by day…by day. Amen. Amen.”

I like to imagine that God is laughing at this scene, too. But when we pray, are we guilty of the same? We turn on our “spiritual vocabulary” and then God will really listen to us, right? No, God wants authenticity from us. He wants us to tell Him what’s on our hearts. He already knows, but by opening ourselves up to Him we demonstrate trust. Sometimes I yell at God; I let Him hear my fears, frustrations and desires full-on. He can take it. The beauty in my relationship with Him lies in the assurance that He never changes. He still loves me, and you, the same no matter what my attitude is when I talk to Him. In 1 Samuel it says “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God knows us intimately and knows everything we have ever done, the good AND the bad. Yet, the Creator of the universe loves us anyway. Isn’t that a real relationship? An authentic one? All of us want someone with whom we can let our guard down and be ourselves, and will accept us as we are.

So if you are looking for a real relationship, start with God. Give Him the real you. He wants that, and be at peace knowing that He is not judging you, but smiling at you because of your trust in Him.