Authenticity

I am re-reading the book by John Burke called "No Perfect People Allowed". At the moment it is talking about authenticity and being a christian. Specifically, that authenticity starts with me.

This is something that lately has been on my heart and mind as we do the work in preparing to plant a new church. A big reason for being involved in the church plant is the deeply felt need to reach out to others. But in working on this, God has been working on me, again!

I can't speak for others, but for myself, this being authentic seems to be less about "acting" like a christian and more about "being" myself (which hopefully comes out as being a christian, as best I can).

You see, like everyone else, I struggle with life too. Just because I became a christian (& even going into ministry) doesn't make me any different than you or anyone else; stuff happens. I'm not any better or have it any easier. And this is where it can get confusing. Believe me, it has confused me quite a bit. I always thought that if I was a good person (like being a christian) that meant that life was supposed to be all good, that I was headed up and not down when it is all over.

Now for the real kicker.... being authentic is tough! It is so much easier to pretend to be something or someone that I am not, than it is to consistently be really me.

So for now, I continue to read, to think, & to do the work I feel like I am being called to... reaching out to others like myself who need help trying to figure this stuff out..

hmm, wonder what revelations might be ahead as I continue to read this book.....