Authentic Christian Living
The world thinks authenticity is about expressing yourself, being true to yourself. But the Bible tells us quite the opposite. David F. Wells states “Authenticity, theologically speaking, is not simply about being true to ourselves or about being satisfied with ourselves. It is about being true to who we are in Christ”. This means that if we want to live authentically, we need to be true to who we are in Christ. But we can’t find our identity in Christ without abiding in God. And we can’t abide in God without being crucified with Christ.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in my body, I live by faith, indeed, by the faithfulness of God’s Son, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal.2:19-120, CEB)
The world is afraid of dying. And dying to yourself is seen as bad and scary as physical death. Because the world thinks that when one surrenders to Christ one loses his/her identity. But they could not be further from the truth.
Exactly then we find who we are in Christ.
Exactly then we have means to live authentically.
Exactly then we are ready to stay on the altar.
Exactly then we live in love with God.
Exactly then we are one with God and others.
Exactly then we find meaning.
We can also be sure that God will never fail us. As Walter J. Chantry has said “Not one man has ever sacrificed for his Lord without being richly repaid. If the cross is only contrasted with earthly pleasures lost, it may seem hard and threatening. But when the cross is weighed in the balances with the glorious treasures to be had through it, even the cross seems sweet”.
Authentic Christian living is indeed sweet, holy, and pleasing to God.
Gracious God,
We love you and praise you.
Thank you for sacrificing your only Son for our sake.
Thank you for creating a way back to you.
We want to die with Jesus.
We want to find our true identity in Christ.
Show us how to live authentically.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen
Q4U: What does authentic Christian living mean to you?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you live authentically in Christ!
Image courtesy of Tonya Christner. Linking up today with Thought-Provoking Thursdays.
7 thoughts on “Authentic Christian Living”
What a great reminder! Yes, those who have not experienced it fear it…it does sound scary/weird/contraindicated. Thus, the “mystery of the Gospel.”. May our,lives make them want to see beyond the fear and experience for the,selves!
The blessed mystery of the Gospel indeed! We can’t explain it but we can embrace it. Thank you, Jennifer, for commenting. Abundant blessings to you and yours!
I think you are right, people are scared of losing control, of dying to self. They don’t realize all the blessings that come in return. I know I learn daily who blessed I am to follow Christ. It’s a life long journey.
You are right, TC, it is a lifelong journey. Learning by practicing it is the only way to go. Have a blessed day!
You too!
Authentic Christian living is a matter of faith, a long learning journey, knowing that Christ is with you every step & only through Christ can you enter the kingdom of Heaven.
Yes! Basically it is walking every day with God, having a real relationship with him. 🙂 Abundant blessings to you, Susan! Thanks for chiming in!