Authenticity feels like a distant virtue in a world overflowing with facades and insincerity. However, for those who earnestly strive to live as genuine Christ followers, the challenge of remaining true amidst the immoral values of society is a constant battle. Being a “genuine” believer means finding the strength and courage to resist the allure of the fake world and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ faithfully. Jesus warns us in Matthew 23:27–28 (ESV) about putting on the mask of religion, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
The first thing we must do as believers in Christ isembrace our inner transformation. Being a Christ follower begins with a personal journey of soul-searching and self-reflection. The process of internal transformation entails surrendering our selfish desires, ego, and superficial pursuits. Genuine believers understand the importance of cultivating a sincere relationship with Christ, allowing His teachings to mold and shape their character. In Psalms 139, David was brave when he prayed, “Search me, O God…” To grow in an authentic relationship with Christ, we must periodically ask the Lord to search our hearts to reveal what is within us.
The fake world bombards us with unrealistic expectations, materialism, and an obsession with popularity or success. A sincere Christ follower strives to resist conforming to these false standards. (See Romans 12:1-2) We choose instead to live counter-culturally, seeking the approval of God rather than seeking validation from society and those around us. Aligning our lives with the values of humility, compassion, and selflessness, we become beacons of hope shining the light of Jesus in this very dark world!
Our world often prioritizes superficial connections, where artificial facades and fake personalities overshadow genuine human connections. However, for a Christ follower, authentic relationships are the most important—as sincere believers in Christ, we value transparency, honesty, and vulnerability in all our interactions. By embodying the love and grace of Christ, we foster real connections that defy this superficial and fake world.
Another characteristic of a genuine Christ follower is the refusal to be passive in a world marred by selfishness and injustice. Instead, weactively seek opportunities to serve and bring positive change. We become living testimonies of Christ’s transformative power by engaging in acts of kindness, advocating for justice, and helpingthe marginalized and hurting. Continuing the work of Jesus is the primary role of believers in Christ.
Living out authentic faith in a fake world often invites opposition and ridicule. Genuine Christ followers should embrace such challenges with resilience and unwavering conviction. We remember that Jesus modeled this lifestyle and approach while here on this earth. We must draw strength from our relationship with Christ, knowing that our identity and purpose lie in pleasing Him alone. In doing so, we become a voice of hope in a world where deceit prevails.
In conclusion, an authentic Christlike life requires an unwavering dedication to transformation, a courageous defiance of societal norms, and a genuine love for Jesus and others. Authentic faith stands out against the insincerity that permeates our culture, offering a refreshing alternative rooted in Christ’s teachings. By living out a genuine faith, we not only find fulfillment and purpose but also play a vital role in offering hope and showing others the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus. Some of the last words that Jesus would speak here on earth are recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, “18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Part of the great commission is living out by example the things that Jesus lived out. Jesus was genuine; there is no doubt about it. He was so genuine it cost Him his life at the hands of those who were religious. To make a difference in a world full of fake things,we must find the genuine faith that can only be found with total surrender to Jesus.
