Being Authentic

By: Kim Garrett

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Now that's a tall order... If we rely on our personalities, skills, and talents, we won't always be a very good example of Christ. It's not in our nature to do so. The apostle Paul said this about himself; I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate, I do. Romans 7:15

To be an authentic example, we desperately need the help of The Holy Spirit. He resides in every Christ follower, and He empowers us to live, love, and lead with faith and integrity. God's Spirit enables us to rise above our human nature and imitate the life of Christ. From my own personal experiences, as long as I remain close to God, guarding and protecting our time together, the easier it is to reflect His principles in what I say and do.

These things challenge my personal ability to model Christ in my thoughts, words, and deeds:

1. When I skip my quiet time with God
2. When I'm extremely tired and lack rest.
3. When I'm overly busy or my schedule is over-committed.
4. When I forget to pray before acting upon decisions and challenges.
5. When I spend too much time hanging out with friends who aren't following Jesus.

It's a high calling to live out a life of spiritual authenticity, but it's one of God's commands. At times, it might seem hard, but as we align ourselves to God's Word and His heart, others begin to see Him in us. If we're following Jesus closely, we will naturally set an example for others. Remember, Jesus is our measuring stick for spiritual authenticity.

Read: John 6:44; Jeremiah 31:3; 2 Corinthians 1:12