Living Authentically: Reflections on Being Real in a World of Fakery

Have I Been Real?

A Reflection on Authenticity in Christian Living

As Christians, we are called to live lives that are authentic and real. But what does that really mean? How do we know if we are living authentically? These are questions that I have been pondering lately, and I suspect that I am not alone.

It seems that the concept of authenticity has become somewhat of a buzzword in Christian circles. We hear it in sermons, read it in books, and see it on social media. But what does it actually look like to live an authentic Christian life?

Authenticity in the Bible

Before we can answer that question, let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about authenticity. The word "authentic" is not found in the Bible, but the concept is certainly there. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of people who lived authentic lives.

One example is David. David was a man after God's own heart, but he was far from perfect. He made mistakes, he sinned, and he struggled with doubt and fear. Yet, through it all, David remained authentic. He was honest with God about his struggles, and he trusted in God's grace and mercy.

Another example is Job. Job was a man who experienced unimaginable suffering, yet he remained authentic in his faith. He was honest with God about his pain and his questions, but he never lost his trust in God.

Jesus himself is the ultimate example of authenticity. He was fully God and fully man, and he lived a life that was completely authentic. He was honest about his emotions, his struggles, and his doubts. He wept, he got angry, and he even questioned God. But through it all, he remained obedient to the Father and trusted in his plan.

So, we see that authenticity is not a new concept. It is something that has been a part of the Christian faith from the beginning. But how do we apply this concept to our own lives?

Living Authentically

Living authentically begins with being honest with ourselves and with God. We need to be willing to admit our weaknesses, our struggles, and our doubts. We need to be willing to ask for help and to receive help when it is offered. We need to be willing to be vulnerable with others, even when it is uncomfortable.

But living authentically also means living in obedience to God. It means being willing to follow his commands, even when it is difficult. It means trusting in his plan, even when we don't understand it. It means seeking his will above our own.

Living authentically is not easy. It requires courage, vulnerability, and trust. But it is worth it. When we live authentically, we experience the depth of God's love and grace in a way that we never could otherwise.

Being Real in a World of Fakery

Living authentically is especially important in a world that values fakery and superficiality. We live in a culture that is obsessed with appearances, with social media personas, and with projecting an image of perfection. But as Christians, we are called to be different. We are called to be real.

Being real means being honest about our struggles, our imperfections, and our failures. It means acknowledging that we don't have it all together, and that we need God's help. It means being willing to admit when we are wrong and to seek forgiveness.

Being real also means being willing to love others authentically. It means being willing to listen, to empathize, and to offer grace and forgiveness. It means being willing to be present with others in their pain and in their struggles.

Living authentically and being real in a world of fakery is not easy. It requires us to swim against the cultural tide. But it is a powerful witness to the love and grace of God.

Conclusion

So, have you been real? Have you been living an authentic Christian life? If not, don't despair. It's never too late to start. Begin by being honest with yourself and with God. Seek his help and his guidance. Be willing to be vulnerable with others. And above all, trust in his plan and his love for you.

Living authentically is not easy, but it is worth it. It is the path to experiencing the fullness of God's love and grace in our lives, and it is a powerful witness to the world around us.

References:

• 1 Samuel 13:14


• Job 1-2


• Mark 14:32-42


• John 11:35


• Matthew 27:46