Be Unafraid To Be You!نموونە

 This is Authentic Living

The ability to live authentic is rooted in our belief system. You see, if we believe we’re unlovable or unworthy or unacceptable, chances are we’ll never feel the freedom to show the world who we really are. We won’t risk getting our heart tangled in the knots of insecurity because it will hurt too much. And while family and friends may tell us we’re a big bowl of awesomesauce, we don’t buy it. The fear of being exposed feels too great and too scary, so we hide and refuse to reveal ourselves. Sound familiar? 

If, however, we choose to believe we are who God says we are, authentic living doesn’t feel like swimming upstream in a torrential flood. We may struggle with insecurities, but we’ve anchored our identity in Jesus instead of in the opinions of others. We might be fully aware of our shortcomings, but we know they don’t disqualify us from loving and being loved.

Our willingness to open up and be authentic is fully rooted in what we believe about ourselves. And the only way we’ll have a healthy self-worth is by being certain that our true identity—how God created us—rests in how God sees us.

Having confidence in that truth helps us navigate each day with conviction. It gives us courage to be real rather than worry about what others think of us. When we trust God’s truth about who we are, our authenticity will naturally shine into the world. And that decision to believe God will give us the grit and grace to be honest about what we think and feel. 

Even more, authentic living means your eyes are wide open. You’re able to see when insecurities like shame, guilt, unforgiveness, and worthlessness encourage you to hide. It’s a superpower of sorts. God gives us spiritual eyes to recognize what’s tangling us up so we can take our knots to Him. And in His graciousness, when you ask Him to, God removes the lies and replaces them with truth. That divine exchange breeds confidence. And confidence breeds authenticity.

Don’t let the world tell you who you’re supposed to be. Let God remind you of who you already are and choose to stand in that knowledge. When you know your identity is in Christ, it will help you understand and embrace God’s will for your life. You’ll be able to love with a genuine heart. You’ll be able to extend grace and put yourself out there again. Your ability to live authentic is rooted in knowing your true identity.