What ever happened to people being genuine and real? People being who they say they are? Why do so many people run when things get difficult and not confront situations? Why are there so many people faking who they are? Are there any authentic Christ followers, or is everyone just so stinking self righteous? Why are people so willing to point out every little thing that is wrong with someone else and yet can't seem to look at themselves with the same lenses? What ever happened to true integrity? Why is so much easier to be around non church people than "church" people? What ever happened to true relationships, like the ones in the Bible? Why do so many people try to manipulate in relationships either through playing the victim or through "power"? Why does it seem like so many people around me are crashing in their faith? Why do people get so offended when your honest with them? Since when does the world revolve individuals? What ever happened to Biblical standards? Why do I have so may questions?
I feel like screaming!
I know I am not naive, I do know I am very transparent, sometimes too emotional, I do offer a whole lot of grace, mercy, understanding and forgiveness. I am very loyal sometimes to a fault. I love people. Can I be too authentic, can I be too real?
With me, what you see is what you get. People stop faking, learn to be real.
Again, I feel like screaming!
3 comments:
Dude... I hear you on the problems that people have with authenticuty. I guess we're all a bit ashamed to stand "naked" in front of one another, ya know? I struggle with being genuine, open, transparent because I have it ingrained in me to show-off and exult myself in place of God. I am a people-pleaser and it's difficult to push what I want aside and lift others up instead.
Bottom-line... I want to look good. So, when I allow myself to be vulnerable, I feel like I open myself up for others to attack me, accuse me, ridicule me. I guess that's the fear in many, eh?
I know that both you and I are not naive to believe we become "perfect" overnight, but God will most certainly "finish the work he started in us."
I think it's awesome that you desire to live out authenticity and transparency -- that's the way it ought to be. So, I'd encourage you to keep on keepin' on so others will be able to see what living an authentic and transparent faith looks like. They'll get there in time.
I'm with you Chris.
Let's continue to be real in spite of what "religious' people say.
Being authentic is what is needed.
I got your back.
peace
Pete
I know what you mean by being a people-pleaser. I have been there and sometimes go back to that place. I just continue to find myself getting burnt, especially by those who I consider to be "Chrisitans". Sometimes I don't even know what that term means anymore.
I wear my emotions on my sleeve and sometimes maybe even most of the time that is a weakness in me, if that is the case I accept that and I will work on it.
To me being real and authentic is a great way to live, I just feel I don't have the energy to cover up stains all the time. I guess that is why we just strive to live wholly lives devoting ourselves as Christ-followers, that way we don't have to cover up a whole lot.
Pete, I love your honesty, I also have so much respect for you. I agree that "God will finish the work in all of us." I know He has given us grace and mercy to deal with others.
Relationships with others in the Body of Christ sometimes is a frustrating thing. :-) We just need to keep loving and be willing to forgive, and that sometimes is hard.
Thanks for your response and encourage Pete as well as yourself David, I appreciate you two.
Later,
Chris
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