Textured Lives

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:1-18

 There are six levels of drywall finish, numbered 0 – 5. Zero means the drywall has been hung but no tape and compound applied. 5 being tape and compound applied in several steps, leaving a smooth flat finish. Most homes today are finished to a level 3 or 4 because the drywall will have a texture applied before painting and the texture will hide any imperfections, slight bows, or indentions.

While many find textured walls aesthetically pleasing, the truth is it primarily exists out of expediency. It speeds up the construction process. The old popcorn ceilings are the classic model of this. Popcorn hid everything. Someone even came up with the idea of putting sparkly stuff in it to really make it fancy! Texture helps walls pass the eye test by covering over the imperfections without really fixing them. It is less work and doesn’t require the skill and craftsmanship of a flat-finished wall.

We live, for the most part, textured lives. As long as we can cover over the imperfections and present to the world something pleasing to the eyes of men, we are content. The time-consuming, hard work of putting ourselves in the hands of the Master Craftsman, letting him fix things, letting him sand and smooth things out is not on our list of priorities. Putting up a façade of righteousness, or success, or having the best day ever, or however, we define what we think will impress others is.

Slap on the texture. Avoid the painful discipline that produces true holiness. It’s the cheap, efficient way to surface-level godliness that can fool everyone except the One who matters.