About a month ago, one of our readers wrote me saying:
Taffi, I have a friend who is a new Christian. I thank God she finally made that decision! However, she often complains about how phony some Christians are. I heard you wrote a book on authenticity. I would like you to explain what it means to be an authentic Christian.
It sounds as though your friend may have experienced Christians who have yet to fully discover their identity in Christ. When we become born again, we are new creatures. Our spirits have been made new. However, our minds still need to be renewed by the Word of God, which is a process that takes place over time. Since your friend is a new Believer, I suggest she find a Bible-based church, where the Word of God is being taught with understanding, so that she can begin the process of renewing her mind to the things of God.
To be authentic means “to be real,” “to be certified,” and “to be proven.” It is “verifiable evidence of what someone or something really is.” As Christians, we cannot model ourselves after the images we see around us in the media and think we are being authentic. We must discover who we are in God’s eyes. We have to locate ourselves (our flaws, our weaknesses, our talents, and our strengths) and decide where to go from there, as we discover the person God has created.
When we do not know who we are or why we are here on this earth, we can easily be defined by others, which can be damaging. It can warp our self- image and confidence. With this in mind, what is the image we should adapt as our personal reality? How can we create a new frame of identity reference for ourselves—one that allows us to embrace our uniqueness? The answer is simple: by tracing our self-image back to its original source, which is God. We were all created for a distinct purpose; and as individuals, we have gifts, talents, and abilities that enable us to carve out a place for ourselves in this world without sacrificing our authenticity.
Just like we have a physical image, there is an inner image we cannot see. This is where our connection with God comes in. Our true image traces back to the mind of God, who created every person in His image. This is essential to understanding our identity.
The Word of God is like a mirror that we can look in to see the reflection of who we really are. And if we gaze into the mirror of God’s Word long enough to receive the images of peace, joy, faith, love, prosperity, wholeness, soundness, and healing reflected back at us, we will eventually find ourselves becoming more and more aware of these realities rather than the negative aspects of life often found in today’s society.
Our genuine image and purpose are wrapped up in something much greater than what we see in popular culture. It is the worth, treasure, and esteem that only comes from God. It is love, peace, and wholeness. It is the true essence of authenticity, and it is inside each of us.
To learn more about being an authentic Christian, purchase my book Authentic: Dare to Be Real and discover the real you.
"Authentic Companion Series - Dare to Be Real" 2 Message Series
Price: $21.00 – CD
Are you comfortable in your own skin before God and other people? Wearing extra "make up" to cover up any self-perceived defects isn't what God desires for your life. He wants you to be you. In Taffi Dollar's, Authentic: Dare to Be Real Companion Series, you'll learn that God wants you to be free and unhindered. Take the dare to be genuine. Be bold and free and learn to be the best you can possibly be. Move forward today and reveal the real you.
Send Feedback
Print this page
Sign up to be notified when new issues are published.