The Ballestero Blog

Esse Quam Videri

This year, Thanksgiving time finds us with family in Raleigh, North Carolina. My wife and I are trying to catch up on hugs from seven of our grandchildren, that live here.

No words can describe how complete a grandpa’s or grandma’s heart feels when they hold one of their precious little one in their arms. Besides, I love North Carolina, the country, the people and the food.

I toured downtown and went by the state capital building today. I loved what I saw. I was surprised when I walked out of “The Pit” BBQ Restaurant and saw the state motto inscribed on their window. Esse Quam Videri.  It means, “To be, rather than to seem.”

The founding fathers of North Carolina, evidently, were impressed with men and women who were the real deal. They respected those that talked the talk and walked the walk, those that either put up or shut up.

When the world looks at the church, they also can easily spot those that seem to be, as opposed to them that really are! If it is that evident to the world, then we surely are not fooling God. Pastors and the church family can readily spot these religious actors as well.

Paul and James both wrote Epistles to local churches dealing with this subject, as well. It tells me that these same kinds of folks have been hanging around our churches for 2,000 years. Some things never change. They seem to be godly. They seem to be Christians. They seem to be living for God, but they are just acting.

Galatians 2:6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

In the above two verses, they that “seemed” contributed nothing of value to anyone. Their religion was in vain.

May our walk with God be one that is genuine and filled with the Spirit.

Esse Quam Videri.