Living Authentically

K-Lai — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 09:54:00 -0800

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority – the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.”
- 2 Corinthians 13:5-10 (NIV)

It’s so hard to live an authentic life. Though our old self has died and we are born with a new self, our old tendencies are still present in our bodies. It’s why we should test our motives, our actions, and our words against the Word of God. Because it is the standard, because it is the truth, we can be confident of our lives when we live according to it.

One thing that makes this life easier is the grace and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This new life as a Christian is not one based on personal works, but of freedom that exists as Jesus Christ purifies us and makes us holy. This is why Paul can write in verse 8, “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” In God’s awesome love and provision, we gradually see our lives transformed from that old, dead, sinful self to the holy, pure, glorified new self. While ontologically we are resurrected at the moment of salvation, the lingering effects of the old self gradually fade, as we continue to pursue God more.

Because of this awesome relationship we have with God, that we may glorify Him as He builds us up, we too should be building others up and encouraging them. This needs to be kept separate from flattery and “feel-good Christianity.” Building others up is far beyond simple “make someone feel good.” As a building is erected, piece by piece stone is laid to the foundation. If a stone is out of place, that stone needs to be removed quickly, or else the rest of the building will be messed up. In a similar way, our Christian friends should be the same way, laying down stones upon the foundation of Christ and the Word. However, if one of those stones is placed incorrectly, that stone and everything above it needs to be removed, because the building (our lives) will begin to lean crooked. I hope that my friends would be interested in building each other up in this way, and stay away from the shallow “feel good” compliments that only flatter and bring little growth. I also hope that I will be someone who builds up others according to the Word of God, and that I will not lead others astray from the truth.

k-lai.com: Living Authentically

Living Authentically