“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
The world is full of people pretending to be someone they are not. Such people are not living a life of authenticity, a term used to describe the degree to which one is true to their own personality, spirit or character, despite external pressures.
Living a life of authenticity is not easy especially for Christians who are confronted with a pagan world and encountering external pressures and influences, which are often very different from our Christian beliefs.
You are capable of living authentically. You have the ability within yourself to stay committed to your core belief system, but it often is not easy. Your core values must be higher than your desire for social acceptance. You have the power to live courageously. You had the wisdom to live peacefully. You have the discernment to choose properly.
Living authentically will bring you personal peace. The ability to remain connected to your highest good will not escape you. Your convictions will be determined by integrity. Popularity will be a bonus but not an expectation.
A large part of the fact that Christian ideas fail to be considered as the popular norm is not for lack of professing Christians, but from the lack of professing Christians committed to life a life of Christian authenticity no matter what may be the push back of modern culture.
Our behavior is defined by those around us. As a Christian, I should constantly be in the presence of Christ, as He alone is my source of my authenticity. There is a difference between accepting a doctrine and being committed to the person of Jesus.
God created each of us in His own image, each with a specific ministry and He gave us all we will need to do it. But, oh how often the world tries to tear us away to its standards.
Question: Are you wiling to be the same on the outside as in the inside? If you will commit to walk through the New Year with Jesus, you will be the authentic person He created you to be.
John Grant
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney. He was previously a professor at the University of South Florida College of Business. He is an active writer and frequent speaker and lives with his wife Beverley in Tampa Florida. They have three children and six grandchildren. They are actively involved at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa. He can be reached by e-mail at John.Grant@johngrant.net.
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