The English word sincere comes from two Latin words: sine (without) and cera (wax).
In the ancient world, dishonest merchants would use wax to hide defects, such as cracks, in their pottery so that they could sell their merchandise at a higher price.
More reputable merchants would hang a sign over their pottery — sine cera (without wax) — to inform customers that their merchandise was genuine.
The serpent gave Eve the “wax treatment” in the Garden. And ever since we’ve been “waxing” our wares for each other – waxing ourselves to impress others.
Is it worth it?
Will you choose to live a life that is authentic and without wax today?
Jon Bloom
Excerpted and adapted from his article in Desiring God Blog (6th Jan 2012)
Desiring God Ministries,
Minneapolis, MN
© Jon Bloom
Your comments, thoughts or suggestions are welcome. The body text is by the author, the header and the words in italics are mine – John B. Samuel
Changi Chapel 
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