Are You Authentic With God?
Good Morning Friends,
In today’s scripture we learn some of the keys to sharing the good news….that our love must be genuine…that our caring be unconditional… that our friendships be without strings…that we pray for those seeking the good news….that we affirm their lives…that before we speak the message… our lives and places of worship be as open doors. But most important it is about being honest with God about who we really are. Are You Authentic With God?
Scripture: But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NRSV)
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”
Romans 10:12-18 (NRSV)
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder. Do you want to be shown, you senseless person, that faith apart from works is barren? Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.
James 2:18-26 (NRSV)
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8 (NRSV)
Message: Sometimes in sharing our faith we come off as less than Christian. There is a tacit communication of who we really are that is shared without words. The problem is that the context of the world today and the content of our lives do not always connect as an authentic message. We get into thinking that it is all about authority and power or all about reason and technology being the answer to everything. We think that if everybody were literate, everything would be fine. But we live in a world where reason and technology have created many problems. We are suspicious of hidden agendas. And rightfully so. We live in a world of cultural pluralism…a world that does not believe in absolute truth. And why is this? Well, I think it is because we are not completely honest with ourselves and with God. And sometimes we wake up and shake our head. It is hard to fathom much less believe all the things that are happening in the world. Perhaps you too find it hard to believe. There is a chasm between who we would like to be and who we really are down deep at this very moment. We live in a world of transition where people make surprising assumptions…sometimes there is grace in them and sometimes not. Sometimes the love in us is used by others in ways that do not honor God. So much of the world is shades of gray. Our own hearts really determine how dark. Therefor today more than ever it is clear that our faith can only be shared in relationships with honest conversations. Indeed, people want to see a process not an event when they come seeking what Christianity has to offer…what Christ abiding in us has to offer. We must not be a closed door to those seeking the good news…our hearts must be opened first to the possibility of love. We must be honest. We must have faith in action as a witness to our authenticity. We must realize that it is not about us at all, but about God.
Pray we have the courage to be authentic. Pray we show the power of living genuine lives that shine forth the light of Christ. Pray our identity is validated by the love and grace in our interactions and relationships with others. Pray that because we have seen God’s goodness in our lives we give a witness that confirms our relationship with God. Pray that we not only focus on proving that the message of Christ is true but relevant and demonstrated in our lives. Pray that we realize that we must be real and transparent. Pray we realize that all our hidden agendas will be revealed. Pray that we therefore tell the message accurately. Pray that we tell the message positively. Pray that we share our faith trusting in the power of the good news….that we see others with compassion. Pray we discover who we really are in a relationship with God. Pray we realize it is a sin to pretend to be someone we are not before God.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 