Authenticity

 

Obedience to God comes from the Inside.  Many of us grew up in Christian households, being taught what being a Christian LOOKS like, but we were never taught what living IN Christ is about.  We learned how to wear the right masks so everything looked good to those around us, but never learned who we were or are in Christ underneath the mask.

Jesus doesn't expect followers to be perfect but he does call them to be authentic.  When asked to share our testimonies there are some of us who know what stories to tell and what stories to leave out.  We know what to say and how to say it - we wear a mask.  Then there are new Christians who are willing to share it all!  They lay all the crap out there for everyone to see so that God's redemptive grace is shown in their life.  They don't know any better and it can't get any more authentic than that.  Christ wants a follower - someone who isn't pretending on the outside to have it all together.

Fans of Jesus eventually find themselves exhausted.  Following all the rules and trying to maintain an outward appearance that doesn't match an inner passion can be tiring.  It all comes down to this - do you want to look the part, or be the part?  Do you want to say all the right things or lay it all out for Jesus to wash clean?  Do you want to risk doing good in hopes of redemption or do you want to authentically follow Jesus to ensure your redemption? 

Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

Are you tired and worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me.  I'll show you how to do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything or ill-fitting on your.  Keep company with me and you will learn to live freely and lightly.

Jesus just wants us to be real with Him.  Its in that authenticity we will find true freedom in Christ.   I don't want to just say the right things to look good to those watching.  I want to DO the right things so that those watching can see who Jesus really is and what following Him means.  Following won't always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it.