There's No Use Pretending with Jesus

We all try to make a good impression on the people we meet. We use clothes and scents and creams and make-up to look our best. We want the world to see the version of us that puts us in the best light. But sometimes we don't really feel as 'together' as we like to appear.
I Samuel 16:7 tells us, "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature ... for God see not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  
When you're dealing with God, trying to put a good face on things is pointless. He sees you as you really are ... warts and all. He knows your deep dark secrets and your greatest fears. You may manage to fool all the people all the time ... but you don't fool God.
And you know the amazing part? The part that's really hard to understand? He loves you anyway. He knows the worst, yet still want to be your friend. What a relief to hear the astounding news of Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
This is the essence of the gospel. This is the Good News. God didn't wait to send you a savior until you had your act together. He didn't wait until you could prove you were worth saving. God sent his son to die for you while you were still covered in the dirt of every lie you've told, every petty theft from your employer, every mean thing you've said about a friend, covered in the dirt of every sin ... big or small. He loves you that much. He takes your weaknesses and makes them into strengths. He reforms your faults so you can help others. He knows you better than you know yourself.
Yes, truly, there's no use pretending with Jesus. He wants you to be the person you were always meant to be.