Living Authentically

It's the eve of my departure to CTCA and I'm supposed to be sleeping right now because I have to leave at 4 am for my flight.   I'm more than a little bit nervous writing on this topic but I can't stop the nagging feeling that it needs to be done...

Living authentically, I know it's been quite a buzz word in many circles; be who you are, etc.  I guess this post may come off as offensive to some, or maybe judgmental, but I think it's time that we as Christians live authentically as Christians.  What does that mean?  Well in my opinion, this means rather than trying to find the loop hole for whatever we know we shouldn't be doing, we repent and ask God to help us with it.  Living authentically means that we bring whatever is dark in us, to the light and let God, in His perfect way, heal it and shape us into who He created us to be.

This doesn't mean that you have to start a blog or make it national news.  But it does mean that you need to start talking to God about it, and maybe/eventually sharing it with someone you trust.  Compartmentalizing your faith, or rationalizing away what needs addressed in your life not only hurts you and the ones that share life with you, but also tarnishes our faith for those who aren't believers.  In other words, don't profess to be a follower of Christ and then expect not to have to change.  It's not possible, we as humans are flawed.  I, as human, am flawed.

I love this passage in 1 Timothy 6:11-12

"But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. "

We should at least strive for righteousness, etc., and then acknowledge when we fail and fall short.  As Christians, the way we live life should look different.  The way we handle crisis, hard times, finances, our work, disagreements, our relationships with others, it should all be different, we should be different, and that difference should be apparent in all aspects of our life.

God has changed me so much in the past 5 years and He continues to work on me.  It's interesting to speak with people who didn't know me before I became a Christian.  Sometimes they just think I've always been the person I am now.  I think that's common for people on the outside looking at us, because they haven't been witness to the transformation as it was taking place; as God was working something out.  They only see the final result.  Which begs the questions, maybe we aren't as open about our failings and God's work, as we should be?

Personally, I think it's really important for us as Christians to be real about who we used to be, and who we are now as a follower of Christ.  About a month ago I was having a conversation with a friend on this very topic.  Without getting into a lengthy discussion about it, I mentioned a little about who I used to be.  That when I was angry I would curse worse than anyone I've ever heard - the f bomb being my go to word.  I was hard-hearted in many ways, selfish, and placed my self-worth entirely on status and my career, oh and I was prideful, just to name a few things.  I didn't realize any of this though, until I gave my life to God, and started striving for what He wanted instead of what I thought I needed. 

I did this not to boast about how awesome I am, but to help my friend understand that we all come before God flawed.  However, if we are willing, He will refine those things in us that need to be changed.  He loves us that much!  We just need to ask, be real, accountable, and be talking to God.  He will do the work.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 1:6