If asked whether we are authentic Christians or a hypocrite, we should strive to say that we are authentic, but what does that mean? To be authentic means that we are not false but real, genuine, and true to one’s beliefs.
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The opposite of being authentic is being a hypocrite. One definition of a hypocrite is someone who pretends to have certain beliefs, attitudes, or feelings they do not possess. They are “pretenders.” There is also another form of hypocrisy. The other type of hypocrisy is looking down on others as if we have forgotten that we are also flawed.
As Christians, we are called to live like Christ. In the Bible, during Jesus’ ministry, the religious leaders were guilty of being hypocrites. Jesus did not act this way, and He spoke harshly against hypocrites. Jesus clarifies that what matters is how we treat others and what is inside, not how others perceive us.
Each of us can be hypocritical. We must guard against any tendency to try and impress others. We must also resist any desire to look down on others. We all need Jesus, and even after we have found him, we will continue to need Him. The life of an authentic Christian should point others to Jesus, who is the only one who can help.
Authentic Christians should not try to impress others; we should exemplify the gospel message. The real message of the Gospel is that Jesus saves. We must strive to live as authentic Christians and not as a hypocrite.
Authentic Christians Resist Pride and Arrogance
The word hypocrite is a loaded word often used to describe people who pretend to be more spiritual than others. After getting saved, a person may desire to live what they think is a Christian life but have some struggles. An authentic Christian resists pride and arrogance at all times.
Wanting to fit in with a church community may cause someone to “pretend” to have it all together as they try to “look” or “act” spiritually or religiously. As authentic Christians, we should resist trying to look or act as if we strive to impress others. A real Christian’s life should reflect love, humility, and forgiveness.
Authentic Christians resist walking in pride and arrogance because these are some of the enemy’s favorite tactics. The enemy would rather see us try to look religious than ask God to help us live the Christian life.
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.”
Psalms 10:4 KJV
Authentic Christians recognize the need to stay close to God in prayer, knowing that it is impossible to live a Christian life on our own without the help of God. God knows that we need His help and wants us to accept His help. The hypocrite is happy, pretending, and does not seek God.
Authentic Christians Show Love and Are Not Judgmental
God calls us to love one another and not to judge one another. We should only judge ourselves and do our best to live as Christ has called us. We are to love others as ourselves and show mercy, kindness, and compassion to others just as God reveals it to us. Authentic Christians show love and are not judgmental.
Authentic Christians realize the impact of a kind word and a smile. They also understand the harm that can come when others feel excluded, less than, or unreachable. God sent his son to save the lost; we should always reflect that simple truth in everything we say and do.
Authentic Christians Understand Forgiveness
God calls us to live a surrendered life, which means we give up our old ways in exchange for His will. God understands this is a process; we may struggle, and He intends to help us. We should try to do our best and ask Him for help. He does not call any of us to live a life of perfection because God wants us to be authentic and not a hypocrite.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the enemy gets the best of us. Perhaps we make the wrong choice and do or say something we regret. We must be willing to ask for and accept forgiveness. We ask God to forgive us, but we must also be quick to offer forgiveness to others. We must understand that the enemy tries to tempt us all, and we all need forgiveness. Authentic Christians understand asking for, giving, and receiving forgiveness.
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Galatians 6:1 KJV
A Prayer to Be An Authentic Christian
To live as an authentic Christian, we need to love God, love our neighbor, and follow the example of Jesus. Being authentic may sound simple, but it can be challenging. Let’s pray a prayer to help us always be authentic Christians.
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