The Sunday Sermonette – Puttin’ on the Posh.

    I love a true story, and here’s one I hope you find of interest. It’s about a group of women, The Forty Thieves, who, swathed in sable and mink, wearing diamond rings as elegant brass knuckles and stylish hats to hide their stolen wares, earned the respect of London’s most feared underworld crime bosses in the 1930s. Their exploits were far worse than those depicted in the BBC drama “Peaky Blinders.”  In it, as in real life, they posed as wealthy housewives innocently browsing the tony likes of Harrods and Selfridges.

     The Forty Thieves, known for carrying razors wrapped in perfumed, lace handkerchiefs, were notorious for their stealthful thievery and violent outbursts—including one melee that resulted in a gang member blinding a police officer by stabbing him in the eye with her ruby-encrusted hatpin. Their mugshots show fashionably dressed “ladies,” with flawless makeup and coiffed hair, wearing the latest fashions to fit in with those from whom they stole. They called it “putting on the posh.”

     Don’t we, as a society, trot around, “putting on the posh?” Trying to fit in? Don’t we give up our morals and values to be friends with the rich, the powerful, and the famous? Don’t we surround ourselves with haute couture clothing, purchase expensive cars, and lead lavish lifestyles to keep up with those around us?  Always, constantly, trying to fit in?

     There’s a problem, though, with always trying to fit in. In the long run, it only leads us down a dark path, where we ultimately seek joy in all the wrong places. You will never be satisfied if you do that. Clawing your way to the top of the financial ladder will always lead to disappointment, because the ladder always creates more rungs to climb. The supposed joy that comes from drugs, alcohol, and promiscuous sex will quickly sling you into the gutter of life. These are but a few examples of the many dark pathways that can lead us astray.

     The good news is this: Father God and Jesus love us, and they don’t want us, their children, to be led down life’s dark pathways. They are always there for us, ready to guide us towards a life of fulfillment and joy. Seek their joy and comfort by praying continuously, surrounding yourself with trustworthy family and friends, and becoming a part of a Bible-believing church. They have a plan for us and will work things out for us if we trust them with all our hearts and do not lean on our own understanding of things.

     Another vital aspect of not always striving to fit in is learning to embrace our uniqueness. We are all beautifully and wonderfully made, designed by God with different talents, capabilities, and perceptions. Instead of being motivated to blend in with the crowd, we can choose to celebrate our differences. By doing so, we reflect God’s creativity and His glory. Let us be thankful for who we are and the unique paths we walk, understanding that our individual stories contribute to God’s greater tapestry.

     In Romans 12:2, we are told this: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

     Ponder this and go forth.