Let’s get real. Really real. We live in a world where it is easy to be fake or to at least cover up some of the truth. Think about social media posts, and “reality” television. You have to read and watch with the understanding that this is usually partial truth. The pretty pictures and videos and perfectly worded posts don’t usually show the other side of life — the pain, the chaos, the challenges. We live in a world of AI — Artificial Intelligence. Yes, there are helpful things about AI. But it also makes me wonder what is real. What is authentic? Who is really writing this?
(Just so you know for sure, I write all these words for you every week. Nothing splashy. Nothing fake. Just my wrinkly grandma hands clacking away on the keyboard.)
What about in real life? Do you feel like you’re a good judge of character? Are you easily fooled by the personalities of some people? Or do some people make you feel greasy and yucky after being around them? They may come across as being too slick. Too perfect or too good to be true. Like you’re getting a good deal on a questionable used car.
Following authentic people applies to those in leadership in your life, including church/Christian leaders. Whom do you listen to and follow on a regular basis? It’s important to know that they are the real deal and are following Christ and not their own egos.
What attracts you to authentic people? What are their attributes? Are they: genuine, original, reliable, dependable, credible? What else would you add? Who comes to mind when you think about those words?
I’ve been told that trained counterfeit experts learn how to identify fake currency by studying in depth the real deal. The more they know what a real $20 bill looks like, the easier it is to spot a fake one. Unless we look at the real deal on a consistent basis, we tend to forget.
My husband, Johnny, uses this example in his teaching: Without looking at a penny, sketch out what it looks like on a piece of paper. How many times have you handled a penny? Too many times to count. But do you remember what it looks like in detail enough to get all the info on there? Try it. Then compare to a real penny.
How did you do? It’s harder than you think. To not drift away from what is real, remain very familiar with what is authentic.
What happens when we don’t follow what and who is real? We have a tendency to create idols and worship something fake. It’s an age old human condition. Remember the story in Exodus 32 of the Israelites creating a golden calf? That didn’t turn out well for them. Nor does it for us when we fashion our own gods.
Of course, the most real, the most authentic human of all time is Jesus. Both fully human and fully divine. In all things, our personal lives, our relationships, our work, our church life, the standard is Jesus. The more we know Him, the original real deal, it is easier to know who or what is fake. That’s our weekly challenge: Know Him more. Be authentic. Be like Him.
(As promised last week, I will share a scripture each week about my focus word for 2024: Word and word)
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
"We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God."
2 Corinthians 4:2
Share Your Good Words
Good Questions of the Week: What helps you be more like Christ? What do you love about authentic people?
The following excerpt is from a story that will be included in my upcoming book, Unseen People: Sharing Light and Life with Your Neighbors and the Nations. Click the blue link below to see the progress of the book. When you get to the page, scroll down to THE UNSEEN PROCESS — How The Book, Unseen People Is Being Born.
“… But also behind those doors is where I meet God each morning. I read in the pages of God’s word who He is — King, Author, Counselor, Prince of Peace. The God who helps me with my fears, and anxieties and discontent.”
So what do we do with all of this? How do we live in authentic, Christ-honoring ways in a dark and messy world? “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.
We know that the world needs more light. Let’s be the people who see others and share light and life with them. That starts with our time alone with God each day in authentic prayer and scripture study. How are you making that a priority for yourself this year?
Great read, DeAnna, a great read!! Got me thinking a lot!
Thank you for being an authentic sister-friend in my life. 💕