Well it is here and gone. Our "Two Faced" series has ended with a bang. I never realized just how tough it is to be honest about our faith, or should I say the lack of it. How cool would it be if we believed God actually accepted us where we are and for who we are without any changes at all? While we all know that we need to change, God's acceptance is foundational if we are going to become truly authentic. During this series it was very clear that true authenticity is not only difficult to act upon; it is just as difficult to envision. Let me give you a little test to rate your "authenticity quotient":
Have you ever thought that you were not good enough to ask God or a friend for something that you wanted?
Have you ever allowed yourself to be seated in a restaurant in a place you knew upfront you were not going to like?
Has there ever been a time when you wanted to say something in a conversation, but you were nervous about how it would be received?
One more... Do you have a strained relationship in your life that is in your power to get right and you haven't?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be less than authentic to at least yourself, and possibly to God.
Taking steps toward true authenticity requires us to accept the fact that God does not change His view of us according to our actions. It mandates consistent and total acceptance through God's forgiveness, and it allows His total and complete access into all the benefits and privileges we have as His children. This belief and thought is the only way to true authenticity: when we are willing to say, 'it is not by my actions, good or bad, that regulates God's view toward acceptance of me'. This is the foundational biblical principle that creates authentic faith and living.
It should be interesting to see how God releases the authentic people He is calling us to be as we walk this life of faith.
Just a thought...
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