Women's Devotion

Authentically Christian

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (2 Peter 1:8)

Wow, what a week! From church meetings to ministry to Bible Study! It’s so wonderful to be “bathed” in God’s truth this way. How much more knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ has been dispensed over this brief period of time. But with all of the opportunities to study, learn and grow, there remains an even greater responsibility to “walk out” the Christian life in such a way that our knowing Jesus is apparent to others around us. In my last devotional entitled “Unapologetically Christian,” I suggested we could proclaim our relationship with Christ in any environment in which we find ourselves, but as I reflect further on the ever-present dangers and temptations of this dark world, I wonder at the ability to be not only “unapologetically Christian,” but also and firstly “authentically Christian.”

What does it mean to be authentic? The Merriam Webster dictionary defines “authentic” as: conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features; made or done the same way as an original. As Christians, our “original” is Jesus himself. If we are “conforming to the original,” then we are becoming more Christ like. Conforming to Christ is a “behavior,” an action that tells the word we not only KNOW God, but we are HIS disciples (followers).  We find warnings associated with simply knowing God and/or his word; such as, the one found in Romans 1:21-22: For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. Again, James 1:22 tells us: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  In 2 Peter 1:8 we see, then, that our authenticity lies in the “following” and “doing”: For this very reason [to keep from being ineffective in our knowledge of Jesus Christ], make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, [sisterly] kindness; and to [sisterly] kindness, love. 

I cannot think of a better time than now to pray for authenticity in our Christian lives. I have lived long enough to hear the world lament the so-called “hypocrisy” of Christians. Granted, often the term is used loosely and in defense of “not going to church.” As in, “it’s just full of a bunch of hypocrites.” Sadly, we may come off that way, but take to heart the truth of the matter. Hypocrisy often is detected when expectations are set by an individual who appears to “do what looks right outwardly while remaining far from God inwardly.” So, where shall we begin to bring our hearts made righteous by God in harmony with our actions? What about beginning by forgiving those who have hurt us? Is that not ultimately a display of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, sisterly kindness and LOVE? Well, maybe you do not struggle with forgiving others (bless you sister!), but rather with a prideful heart? Jealousy? Easily angered? Some other unholy thing (or a combination) that gets in the way of your “making every effort?” As the scripture says: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1) No matter what the road block we may encounter, 2 Peter 1:5-8 provides the antidote for becoming ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.  I am acutely aware of the challenge before us. But I am assured that we can draw on God’s power for success in living an effective, productive, unmistakably authentic Christian life.

Dear Father God, we pray that you will add to our faith each attribute of our Lord and Savior in increasing measure. May we stop at nothing short of being real before you, God, and real before our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Forgive us our sins as we confess each one. Thank you God, for your great gift of Jesus, who stands before you even now pleading our case. Thank you for your constant presence in our lives. Please clear away the road blocks to our spiritual development. We ask that you meet our deepest needs. Renew our minds and transform our lives as we seek daily to be conformed to the likeness of our Savior. We ask these things, so that we will be an effective people reaching out to others and bringing them into your eternal kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen.