Authenticity Defined

We all know there are Christian buzzwords. Words that get thrown around a lot. That you hear in most Bible studies or small groups. Words that label you subtly as, “I know what I’m talking about,” or “I’m serious about this Faith stuff.” 

They are important words. They are powerful words. They are words with deep meaning and significance. 

I just think sometimes we use them so much we begin to forget what they actually mean. 

“Intentionality.” 

“Vulnerability.”

“Community.”

“Authenticity.”

That last one is one I’ve heard a lot of recently, but I’ve found the need to unpack it a bit. After all, it’s something I would love to be. It rings synonymous to “real,” or “honest,” or “genuine.” I describe people who are down to earth, open, transparent, as “authentic.” “Authentic” people seem to truly be themselves around others, they aren’t hiding behind a mask or an assumed persona, aren’t acting in a way to fit the mold or expectations of others. 

I totally want to be authentic. 

But sometimes, it’s hard to even pinpoint what that means! I have different aspects of my personality that shine through in different settings, in different roles, with different people. Does that mean I’m being inauthentic? I’m more comfortable around certain people, so certain parts of me make an appearance there that I wouldn’t prudently want to show with total strangers. Does that mean I’m a total fake?

And authenticity with others aside, how can I know if I’m being authentic with myself? Am I not facing certain parts of my story openly and honestly? Or even more importantly, am I being authentic with God? Do I show Him my full self in prayer by showing Him how I truly feel? Do I avoid certain conversations with Him because I’m afraid of what might come out?

There is so much to be unpacked within the topic of authenticity. And we will not even scratch the surface here. But, as in so many good conversations, we can make great headway by simply defining our terms.  

What does authenticity mean? Well, the initial answer is a bit of a cop-out because Merriam Webster defines it as: 

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“The quality or state of being authentic.”

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So, we’ve obviously got to go past that. Next, we need to define what we mean by “authentic.” And I want you to imagine what your definition would be, before reading ahead, as I think that is telling of our understanding and expectation of what it means to live an authentic life. I know the definitions I came up with weren’t exactly in line with the truth. 

Merriam Webster defines “authentic” as: 

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“Of undisputed origin.”

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And wow, when I read that, I was deeply shocked. 

After all, when I am seeking to live authentically, how many times do I check that by contemplating my day to day life, and asking if I am living from my origin? From my first foundation? From my source of life and being?

From… God? 

Honestly, rarely. 

I think to be “authentic,” I have to be true to my personality, to my beliefs, to my style, my “vibe,” the list goes on.  I think it means I have to let it all hang out, the good and the bad, and show people the deeper, darker sides of who I am. I think it means I have to speak my mind, show all my emotions, “be me.” 

And yes, there are aspects of truth in these things. Just aspects, tho. But how often do step back and live just true to the reality of my origin?

God is the source of my existence. He not only brought me into existence but sustains me in it. He is my origin. And within that origin, He has established me as His beloved daughter with whom He is well-pleased. 

That is my origin. That is where I came from. That is who I am. That is Whose I am. 

To live authentically means to live as His. 

You can argue other ways, but at the end of the day, this is undeniable. It is indisputable. 

So want to be authentic? Live from your identity as His beloved son or daughter, and you simply will be.