Honestly, I do not exactly know how I was prompted to write about the topic of authenticity. For my avid social media followers, you might have noticed that this post has similarity with one of my vlogs. And that’s because this write-up’s a re-imagined version of such.

I write to you because I know what it’s like. I know what it’s like to step into the four corners of a church building, feeling like I do not fit in. Or that I need to somehow transform into a more acceptable version of me. 

John 8:36 (ESV)

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” 

And I do believe that the freedom Christ has for us includes freedom from any form of fakery or duality– any form of us not being our truest selves. But rather, let me encourage you with this verse:

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” 

The writer of this verse encourages us to live a life that is truthful first, before anything else. But, he didn’t stop there. He also encourages us to ponder upon what is noble, right, pure, and etc. To basically have a mind of Christ. 

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

But, what do we do in the process– between what is the truth and what must be in Christ’s perspective? 

Following the link, I’ve laid out a practical, yet faith-based teaching, entitled “Laying Aside Every Weight: How To Get From Point A to Point B (Emphasis on Discipleship)”

Basically, going back to the topic of authenticity, I disagree that once one has fully surrendered his or her life in Christ, one must automatically put a mask on. That should not be the case. God is for authentic transformation of the heart first. 

When I was called to lead, I had the preconception that a leader should be perfect. But, when I realized that at the end of the day, it was just about loving God as He has loved me, it became easier to live day to day. Yes, we are still called to be perfect, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enjoy today or our progress in Christ. (Again, please read the follow-up article here) 

Part of being an authentic leader, authentic follower of Christ or just an authentic person in general is acknowledging that we all need God’s grace and although we are called to be perfect, it’s okay if we’re not there yet. God will see us through.

So, following this, how are you not your truest self if you’re not in God? You are at risk of not knowing your true identity and being confused of who you really are. When I encountered God, I was made aware that God loves me unconditionally and it didn’t matter what the world thought of me for God was the ultimate standard.

Jeremiah 31:3 

“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

Without encountering God first, you cannot know who you truly are, for you do not know the truth about God and yourself.

So, how does being in Christ or knowing Christ help you reach your truest self? Your truest self is found in Christ. God knows who you are better than you think you know yourself. It says in:

Psalm 139:13 (ESV)

“For you (God) formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”

Acts 17:28 (ESV)

“for “‘In him (God) we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.”

One of the advantages of being in the right standing before God (only through faith in Jesus Christ) is that we get to submit to what He thinks about us. And that is the truth. We, then, can live, move, and have our being.

So, how to be you?

Know and accept God’s view of you.

Genesis 1:27 (ESV) 

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

God created you in His own image. However, that image was distorted by sin. However, there is a good news:

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Accepting Jesus Christ as both your Saviour and Lord restores that image. (Again, read follow-up article here)

Entering the four corners of a church building, I want you to know that each and every person inside is fighting battles both seen and unseen. What matters most is God’s unwavering love, guidance, and presence to each and every one of us. Come as you are and let His grace reign supreme in your life and in the lives of the people you meet.

Isaiah 1:18 (ESV)

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”