You are not perfect. I am not perfect. We are all flawed.
There seems to be a stigma amongst Christians that we must portray a perfect, Christ-following life for others to see. We post pictures on social media showing off our happy-go-lucky lives, filled with adventure and merriment. We walk around day by day faking a smile so people will think we don't face daily trials. We dress nicely and act a certain way because of this invisible standard Christians hold themselves to.
But I want to challenge you to be authentic.
There seems to be a stigma amongst Christians that we must portray a perfect, Christ-following life for others to see. We post pictures on social media showing off our happy-go-lucky lives, filled with adventure and merriment. We walk around day by day faking a smile so people will think we don't face daily trials. We dress nicely and act a certain way because of this invisible standard Christians hold themselves to.
But I want to challenge you to be authentic.
We are all flawed, and guess what? That's okay! It's okay to have bad days. It's okay to feel sad. It's okay to feel a little weary. It's okay to show your emotions beneath the surface level. It's ok to be a human being! I recently came across a saying that reads, "I am an imperfect person, loved by a perfect God."
After reading that, I thought "wow there must be so many people out there that can benefit from such a simple saying."
Everyone struggles. No one expects you or me to be happy all the time. The thought of being judged and shamed by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ because we've shown human emotion shouldn't even be feared. Judging another isn't anyone's job but God's. We as believers must be able to earnestly listen and guide broken people towards God's word -- we're not called to shame people for being human and dealing with struggles that come with this life.
In order to be authentic and true to who God has called us to be, I think it's important to throw away the idea of believing you're better than another person. God says, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another." Colossians 3:12-13
After reading that, I thought "wow there must be so many people out there that can benefit from such a simple saying."
Everyone struggles. No one expects you or me to be happy all the time. The thought of being judged and shamed by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ because we've shown human emotion shouldn't even be feared. Judging another isn't anyone's job but God's. We as believers must be able to earnestly listen and guide broken people towards God's word -- we're not called to shame people for being human and dealing with struggles that come with this life.
In order to be authentic and true to who God has called us to be, I think it's important to throw away the idea of believing you're better than another person. God says, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another." Colossians 3:12-13
So what does it mean to be authentic? Here are some synonyms:
Genuine, real, and true.
Basically keep it real, and let the facade of a perfect, happy life fall away. Being authentic means having confidence in who God has made you to be and how He is constantly working on you every single day despite the brokenness and weariness you may feel. Don't feel you need to act, speak, or dress a certain way because "the real you" doesn't align with how you view other Christians in their daily walk with Christ. Everyone's walk is different. The only goal you should be working towards is your salvation.
Now this is a message for everyone: Our salvation lies only in Jesus Christ -- not in how we act, speak, or pray publicly. That's why it is so important to throw away all of your ideas and comparisons of a perfect Christian because there is none. Instead, follow the way God is leading you in your own life to become a better servant for Him. We all sin and react to the things of this world differently, and that doesn't make a person any less of a Christian.
Comparing your Christian walk to others and trying to act a certain way around other Christians can hinder you from being who God has called you to be. Let it all go, and let God take control. He loves you as you are and will continue to transform and mold you into his own unique and beautiful creation!
Genuine, real, and true.
Basically keep it real, and let the facade of a perfect, happy life fall away. Being authentic means having confidence in who God has made you to be and how He is constantly working on you every single day despite the brokenness and weariness you may feel. Don't feel you need to act, speak, or dress a certain way because "the real you" doesn't align with how you view other Christians in their daily walk with Christ. Everyone's walk is different. The only goal you should be working towards is your salvation.
Now this is a message for everyone: Our salvation lies only in Jesus Christ -- not in how we act, speak, or pray publicly. That's why it is so important to throw away all of your ideas and comparisons of a perfect Christian because there is none. Instead, follow the way God is leading you in your own life to become a better servant for Him. We all sin and react to the things of this world differently, and that doesn't make a person any less of a Christian.
Comparing your Christian walk to others and trying to act a certain way around other Christians can hinder you from being who God has called you to be. Let it all go, and let God take control. He loves you as you are and will continue to transform and mold you into his own unique and beautiful creation!
We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3
Romans 5:3
So forget about social media and what you want people to think your life is like. Be authentic, be transparent; your life and testimony can bring another person to Christ without putting in any effort.
God knows your current struggle and He wants you to come to Him -- the only work you should be putting forth, is in growing your relationship with the one who died for you ♡
God knows your current struggle and He wants you to come to Him -- the only work you should be putting forth, is in growing your relationship with the one who died for you ♡
My awesome sister in Christ and friend recently started up her own blog and I'd love for you guys to check it out! Click the box below!