New Reminders: Authenticity

According to Wikipedia, “Authenticity is the quality of being genuine or real. You might question the authenticity of your eccentric uncle's photo of a UFO. The word authenticity is the state of something being authentic, or legitimate and true.” We all like to think we are coming across as authentic, but that very thought betrays the fact that we feel we must make an effort to appear authentic.  Genuine authenticity should not require us to put on an act or pretend. Yet, it is human nature to want to impress others.  We might even practice in front of a mirror before an important interview, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it is a good idea to be aware of how others see us as long as we are not trying to deceive anyone.

Vocabulary.com lists several synonyms for the word authentic that might help us understand: “Genuine: Not fake or adulterated; Real: Actually being what it is represented to be; Actual: Existing in fact; True to the Original: Conforming to the original, and Bona fide: Made in good faith.” Each of these can help us better understand the depth and scope of authenticity and psychologists and philosophers have studied the implications of striving to become our most honestly authentic selves. Some have gone so far as to suggest that it should be everyone’s main goal in life.

The Bible defines being our authentic selves as living out our new identity in Christ, rather than conforming to worldly pressures or hiding behind masks. Authenticity means embracing our role as God’s "masterpiece", being honest about imperfections, and walking humbly in grace-filled integrity. Ephesians 2:10 points out that: “You are God’s handiwork, created for good works.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that: “If anyone is in Christ, the old is gone and the new has come.” Romans 12:2 warns us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.”  For: “You are fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14. Ultimately, biblical authenticity is about loving God and others in truth and allowing His grace to transform us into who He designed us to be.