We are immersed in a world in which technology allows us to filter our pictures and carefully fine-tune our responses to one another. In some cases such as business websites or celebrities’ Twitter pages, every word is analyzed and planned. Others use various platforms as their outlet for every emotion and opinion that comes to mind. In either case, each of us has the choice to be authentic or inauthentic.
Authenticity is necessary for true and meaningful relationships. It doesn’t discount social norms and healthy boundaries, but requires an unpolished outward self and the confidence to be yourself.
Showing your true self to others can be really intimidating and scary. Previous experiences, scars, or self-doubt often convince us to hide our personality in the shadows and only let the light shine on the “best” parts. As tempting as it can be, step into the light and embrace vulnerability! Showing your true self to others opens the door for healing, unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, and accountability.
Being authentic in your faith is also vital for your relationship with Jesus. It’s all about your heart’s motives. Immersing yourself in the word consistently, praying, listening, and having a heart for others are markers of authentic faith. Going to church and volunteering on the weekends to appear good or spiritual is only detrimental to yourself. When outward appearance is the motive, your relationship with the one who created you is inauthentic.
My prayer is that you and I are constantly reminded of God’s grace and love for us… for who we ARE. Not who we want to be, not who we are becoming, not who others think we are. God sees us for who we are and loves us in each moment.
Truth:
James 5:16 – Therefore confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective
Romans 12:9 – Love must be sincere. Hate what evil; cling to what is good.
Hebrews 4:13 – Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
James 1:22,26-27 – Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says… Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
