The Low Bar of Authenticity

If there is one character quality that is held above all in Christendom today, it’s “being authentic.” It’s the ultimate achievement conveyed by some pastors, Sunday school teachers and small-group leaders. The world, it is believed, is looking for authentic believers.

On the surface, that sounds OK. But in what context are folks revered to be authentic? I’ll tell you. It’s when they express fear, weakness and doubt. That’s when others in the group sigh in wonder at the authenticity expressed that they may have been afraid to share themselves. Because, after all, everyone relates to fear, weakness and doubt. Once someone in the group goes there, everyone relaxes. They aren’t alone.

To me, that sounds like a group doing an 880-yard run, and someone feels tired and stops at the 250-yard marker. Everyone else joins that person, and they all sit down on the track and discuss how difficult it is go 880 yards.

What is wrong with this picture? Being authentic is hardly a worthy aspiration for followers of Christ. What if Jesus had decided to “be authentic” and sit out that whole dying on the cross thing? After all, it was uncomfortable, stressful, painful and totally unfair.

Being authentic is code for being in the flesh. And they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Rom 8:8) Being authentic is saying, “This race is hard. I can’t finish.” And in an authentic-focused group, everyone else confesses that they can’t finish either, and a discussion of the difficulty follows.

Here’s the better scenario. Someone in the group sees the finish line, is in spiritual shape and can encourage the others to get up and keep going based on the strength of the Spirit and faith in the promises of God.

That goal of authenticity stops short of the ultimate goal. In an authentic-focused group, a spiritually victorious person will likely be spurned, because others prefer to live in their authentic mire and not have to listen to someone who thinks they have the answers.

We do actually have answers, you know? If you are that person in the group who isn’t struggling because you’ve learned how to walk with God and you are headed for the finish line, don’t be discouraged. Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. (Heb. 12:1b) Let God use you to get others back up on their feet and headed in the right direction.

You will face those who don’t want to hear Bible answers. It’s just the time we’re living in. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. (2Tim 4:3)

If you’re one of those authentic-focused itching-ears kind of people, it’s not too late to wake up from your spiritual stupor and ask God to put a spiritual mentor in your life.

Here is a goal to aspire to: Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (1 Cor. 16:13) Find a group or an individual who can help get you there.

Tell me what you think.

Jody