“That inner voice has both gentleness and clarity. So, to get to authenticity, you really keep going down to the bone, to the honesty, and the inevitability of something.” Meredith Monk
Stephen Joseph writes for Psychology Today. In his article 7 Qualities of Truly Authentic People, he says, “Humanistic psychologists would say that by definition, authentic people possess a number of common characteristics that show they are psychologically mature and fully functioning as human beings. They:
- Have realistic perceptions of reality.
- Are accepting of themselves and of other people.
- Are thoughtful.
- Have a non-hostile sense of humor.
- Are able to express their emotions freely and clearly.
- Are open to learning from their mistakes.
- Understand their motivations.
We might come up with a slightly different list when speaking of maturity in Christ, but surely these qualities would be included. A mature Christian is one who has come to grips with their own humanity – and consequently, with everyone else’s. In Christ, we find the answer needed to the questions of our own failings. Thankfully, we also find the solution.
Having walked with the Lord for over twenty-years, I have had my share of passionate pursuits that looked like Jesus yet were rooted in unrealistic expectations or a need to authenticate myself in an unauthentic way.
Joseph speaks to that in his article, “People can be committed to and passionate about lots of things, but this by itself is not enough. Authenticity is more than when someone believes in what they say or acts in a way that is consistent with their beliefs. An inauthentic person is equally able to stand up and say what they truly believe. We ought not to judge authenticity purely by the passion a person has for what they say. The more important part of the authenticity question is to look at the character of the person. What’s behind what they say?
If behind what a person says and does is a defensive and self-deceptive approach to life, then no matter how passionate and committed they are to a cause, ultimately they are not being true to themselves.”
What is it that the author is saying? The same thing Jesus taught – authenticity happens when we truly appropriate the peace of God. A person at peace with God – not just positionally, but experientially – is being their most authentic self.
Over the next few weeks, we will look at each quality listed and put it in Biblical context. Avant Garde dancer Meredith Monk may not have been talking about the Holy Spirit when she made reference to one’s “inner voice.” However, it truly takes the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit to be brought to this kind of peace and ultimately to our most authentic selves.
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6.
You may read of my own journey of appropriating God’s peace in my book, One Small Voice.
Order it on Amazon by accessing the link below:
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