Authenticity: What does the Bible say?

 

Introduction

We have all seen advertisements for “genuine imitation leather” and “real manufactured gemstones” or “genuine faux pears.” We know these products are not the “Authentic real items.”  If you have done any rough wood working you probably know that today’s 2×4 inch board is significantly smaller than its name. In today’s world authenticity can be hard to find or even recognize. 

In a recent dialogue between Jordon Peterson and Pierce Morgan the topic of “authenticity” was discussed. They were speaking of it in relation to enteratianors and politicians. They agreed authenticity of character was a key factor for both groups. Audiences and Voters like to believe that “What you see is what you get!” We want to know that the public person is the same off stage and off the campaign trail is genuine in real life. 

The Bible teaches us the importance of being true to ourselves. Moreover, Jesus is the measure of that authentic self. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Let us look at what the Bible teaches concerning the importance of authenticity.

Biblical Definition of Authenticity

Biblical authenticity involves living transparently and truthfully according to God’s design and purpose, characterized by genuine faith, integrity, and alignment of actions with biblical teachings. It emphasizes honesty with God, oneself, and others, reflecting the example of Jesus Christ. Living authentictic lives, helps align us to God’s design and purpose for us.

Be authentic with ourselves

William Shakespere wrote the now common phrase, “to thine own self be true.” He likely found the idea in the Bible.  Another phrase that seems relevamt and prevalent is “willful blindness.” Denial is another common opposite of the authentic self. As Christians we need to be gradually over our lifetime discovering and discarding the willful vindness of our inward faults and outward projections to be more fully the authentic Child of God we were born to be.

Being Authentic Before God

Psalm 139:1-4

1 You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.

2

You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3

You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4

Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely

Perhaps the oft-repeated testimonies of people’s conversion include a description of how they had hit bottom. It’s not because God wants us to be desperate. It is more likely because He want’s us to be authentically honest. 

I so relate to St. Paul sharing how difficult it was for him to do what he knewne should do!

Romans 7:14-25

14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Authenticity in Relationships

Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

By now you, now I am a huge fan of Jordan Peterson. Perhaps his number one lesson is to speak the truth. One of his rules for life makes it a bit less difficult he says. “At least don’t lie.”  Further his related lesson is when we lie we are not having an authentic relationship. We are presenting something other than our true selves to the other person. It leads to a false relationship and flawed future.

Jesus as the Model of Authenticity

In John 14:6: Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” to be true to God, true to ourselves and in all our relationship we need to follow Jesus’ teaching and example.

Jesus was not a politician. The scribes and Pharisees confronted them he responded with the authentic wisdom that cut through their fained questions. When they tried to trick him with a question about taxes he destroyed their attack with an honest question of his own.

Challenges to Authenticity

Common obstacles to living authentically are fear of rejection from societal pressures. Social media with its woke cancel culture can put great presure upon people to conform to norms antithetical to Christian values. It can be easy to succumb to the temptation to “go along to get along.” 

Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Authenticity and Integrity

Proverbs 10:9: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”

Integrity is closely related to authenticity. If someone has moral character; speaks the truth, is honest and fair they will simultaneously be true to themselves and present a character that is genuine inside and out. Authenticity reflects an integrated life where our actions match our beliefs.

Conclusion

Thus with the Bible as a guide we seek to be authentically ourselves and not a “genuine imitation” following what we think the world want us to believe and look like. It takes regular, prayerful self examination of conscience. It takes effort and awareness to match our behavior with our values and not vice versa

For more posts click here.