It was so pure it could float.
That was the claim to fame of Ivory Soap. It was "99 44/100%" pure, and it must be true because no other soap could float.
It turns out it was pure pretense. Ivory Soap could float because it had been whipped full of air. Purity had nothing to do with it.
The quest for purity, or at least the appearance of it, doesn't stop with soap. We humans like to give the impression that we are more spiritual, more together, and less affected by our own imperfections than anyone else. The temptation to appear to be above the ordinary- to float over life's problems, is strong. In religious circles, where “cleanliness” (at least the spiritual kind) is “next to godliness,” it can be toxic. The lengths some churches go to ensure purity of doctrine, traditions, music, politics, or ethical norms might be impressive, if the body count weren’t so high.
Pretending to be above the ordinary may work for marketing soap, but it’s a terrible approach to life. Even if it fools people for a time, it’s unsustainable. Eventually the secret is spilled. It’s just hot air.
Question:
Where are you working to convince people that you are something you are not? What’s the cost?
