Word of the Week - Authenticity
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9
In my formative years much of my training came through culture, mentors, sports, the military, and business school. These environments taught me to be tough, strong, and guarded—not vulnerable. Authenticity was not valued. But over the past 24 years of walking with Jesus and other believers, I’ve learned the power of authenticity. When I began embracing it, I found freedom, integrity, identity, and abundance. My relationship with Christ—and with those closest to me—compels me toward living authentically.
Authenticity means being the same on the inside as we are on the outside. It is living true to our identity, values, and beliefs regardless of outside pressures. Authenticity asks: Am I the same person at church, at work, at the lodge, and at home? Do my actions align with my words? Do I confess and own my weaknesses instead of hiding them? Authenticity is not perfection—it is truthfulness, consistency, and vulnerability.
Principles of Authentic Living
Know Who You Are in Christ
True authenticity begins with identity. Before I surrendered my life to Jesus, I was always trying to figure out who I was or who I wanted to be like. But when I realized God created me uniquely in His image, it was life-changing. We are called to be the best version of ourselves in Christ. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)Embrace Your Humanness
Authenticity doesn’t hide flaws—it acknowledges them. As we grow in Christ, He frees us from past sins while also exposing new areas for refinement. That’s how transformation works. Jesus is made strong in our weakness. Admitting our struggles and seeking forgiveness makes us real before God and others. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)Pursue Authentic Relationships
We were created to live authentically in community. Real growth happens when we open our lives to trusted friends who can speak truth, encourage us, and help us see blind spots. Authenticity requires humility and trust, but it leads to growth and strength. “Two are better than one…If either of them falls down, one can help the other up…A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12)
God calls us to authenticity because He is authentic with us. He knows us fully—our strengths, flaws, and potential—and loves us anyway. When we walk in truth and vulnerability, His grace and power are displayed in our weakness. And as 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”.” Authentic people in authentic communities become God’s instruments for growth and impact.
Challenge Question: Where in your life is God calling you to drop the mask and live more authentically—with Him, with your family, or with trusted friends?
Closing Prayer: Father, thank You for loving us fully and authentically through Christ. Teach us to embrace who we are in You, to acknowledge our weaknesses, and to pursue real relationships where we can be known by you and those around us. May our authenticity draw others to You and reflect the power of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Have a week of living truly authentic—inside and out—in Christ!