dave has recently been blogging on our church's environmental values. this last week he posted about the importance of being authentic. i liked what he wrote and thought it was worth sharing.
"People in our society have become increasingly skeptical of religion in general and of churches in particular. They have their “baloney radar” up and running. Credibility is an issue for us. To try posturing ourselves as better than what we really are – is a huge mistake. We must own up to our inconsistencies, our dysfunction, and our hypocrisy. We are not perfect, we have not arrived. (Yet we must be diligent to be making progress in our Christ-likeness.)
I also think that it’s true that when a person walks into a church that values authenticity it gives them the freedom to own up to their own brokenness and face their own demons. They are infused with hope that change is possible, that they are not alone, that maybe they have indeed stumbled upon a community where they will be accepted rather than judged and criticized.
We must not wear masks. And we must not punish others when they refuse to wear a mask. To be our genuine self does not necessarily mean that we are happy or content with who we are – just that we are being honest – no pretense – no games.
It’s been said that if we share only strengths we create competition. When we share our weaknesses we create community. Creating such an atmosphere perpetuates further vulnerability and honesty – that’s where healing and deep relationships can begin."
so here's to we - the body of Christ - actually behaving like the body of Christ. . .
I think authenticity makes Christians look like less of hiprocrates. We can have high values, and fail at keeping them, but if we own up to that, people are forgiving. It also provides safety to those who can't hide their sin. It allows those who know they are not perfect a place to belong. which is kinda what you said. It is important
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