As I reflect upon the meaning of the resurrection, and I do that often, I am becoming more and more convinced that authenticity is of utmost importance in the Christian walk.
What is it about authenticity that is so difficult, yet attractive?
- First, to live authentically means to tell the truth about others and ourselves. Are you willing to look in the mirror of your life and honestly admit what you see? What if you see deceit, hate, anger, arrogance, or jealousy? What will you do?
- Second, to live authentically means not to pretend. Integrate your Christian faith into everyday life. Living an authentic life in the Christian faith means that we face the ups and the downs with honesty and forthrightness.
- Third, to live authentically means to be vulnerable. Vulnerability means that who you are is what we see. And what we see is what we get. And what we get is who you are and what we see. You mean what you say and you say what you mean.
No matter how difficult it is to live authentically in truth, not pretending and being vulnerable, there will be people who don’t understand. I yearn to live my life more authentically. I yearn for others to do the same. Authenticity is the indicator of being fully alive in Jesus Christ. No untruth. No pretending. No avoiding of vulnerability. Let’s trust Jesus Christ, through the written Word of God, to give us the courage to live lives that are truthful, not pretending, and vulnerable. It is the way of Jesus Christ. It is the way of the cross. It is the message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
On the journey of Christian discipleship and spiritual formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,
Steve
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh
Interim Pastor
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