The Reason You’re Getting Authenticity Wrong
Authenticity is a buzzword we hear all the time—"Be your authentic self," or "Live your truth." While these phrases might sound empowering, they often lead us down a flawed path. Why? Because they focus on an ever-changing mix of emotions, environment, beliefs, culture, or desires. This approach to authenticity may provide quick wins, but it lacks the foundation to endure over time.
Here’s why this version of authenticity doesn’t work and what you can do to embrace a more grounded and lasting approach.
Why Modern Authenticity Fails
When your authenticity is driven by shifting circumstances—your feelings, surroundings, or personal preferences—it becomes unstable. This version of authenticity centers on the idea that you can mold your true self to fit the moment. It encourages a mindset where you just "accept your truth" or expect others to simply "let you be you" without question.
While this may feel freeing in the short term and even attract some support, it ultimately leads to instability. Why? Because this approach:
Relies on fleeting emotions and opinions.
Lacks a deeper, unchanging foundation.
Is easily influenced by external pressures and trends.
Without a stable anchor, this kind of authenticity falters when circumstances change or when deeper challenges arise.
What is The Real Foundation of Authenticity
True authenticity begins with a foundational truth: you are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This might be an uncomfortable idea, but it’s essential. Recognizing this truth provides a lasting north star for understanding who you are and how to live authentically.
Many people resist this truth in different ways:
Discard it: They know it’s true but choose to set it aside because it doesn’t feel convenient.
Dispute it: They pick and choose parts of the truth based on what suits them at the moment.
Deny it: They reject it altogether, treating it as a "your truth" rather than "the truth."
Destroy it: They actively seek to dismantle the idea, viewing it as outdated or harmful.
None of these responses lead to genuine authenticity because they deny the enduring truths of you being made in God’s image and God’s desire for you to mature towards being his image bearer. These are truths that have stood the test of time.
What Does Authenticity Look Like for someone made in God’s Image?
If you’re made in God’s image, your authenticity isn’t about creating or redefining yourself but about growing into the person you were created to be. This means striving to reflect God’s character in how you think, act, speak, and relate to others. The ultimate example of this is Jesus Christ, whose life is detailed in the Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
Here are 10 characteristics of living authentically as someone made in God’s image: Check this out as a infographic here.
Enhance Your Spiritual Awareness: Develop a sense of connection with something greater than yourself (Genesis 2:7).
Practice Moral Decision Making: Cultivate the ability to discern right from wrong and act accordingly (Romans 2:14-15).
Be more intentional in how you treat the Earth: Take responsibility for managing and caring for the world around you (Genesis 1:26-28).
Tap into your Creative Abilities: Use your creativity to innovate and make meaningful contributions (Exodus 35:31-32).
Invest in Building Relationships: Build deep, meaningful connections with others (Genesis 2:18, John 17:21).
Strengthen your Logical Thinking Skills: Engage in critical thinking and problem-solving (Isaiah 1:18, Proverbs 2:6).
Show More Kindness: Show compassion and care for others. Look for one opportunity today to help or encourage someone, whether it’s through a kind word, a compliment, or an act of service. (1 John 4:7-8).
Recognize Your Unique Value: Recognize your intrinsic worth and the worth of others. Celebrate how God made you and others. (Psalm 139:13-16).
Pursue Purpose: Seek fulfillment by living out your God-given purpose and doing so with intentional effort and focus. (Isaiah 43:7, Revelation 4:11).
Act with Integrity: Live authentically by aligning your actions with your values (Ephesians 4:24).
Just because we’re all made in God’s image, doesn’t mean we aren't created for a unique purpose.
Even though we’re all made in God’s image, we aren’t clones or all intended to become the exact same. Each person is made to shine God’s light in their own way. We each have a unique capacity to be used for God’s glory and greatness. (1 Corinthians 2:7-11) It’s just that the foundation of the greatness you are intended to achieve is by design and for a common purpose. The purpose of advancing goodness and love for all mankind and all of God‘s creation. (1 Corinthians 2:7-11) Your authentic self is not achieved through luck, happenstance, or your current hearts-desire. It also shouldn’t be used strictly to advance your own agenda or feed your own appetite for worldly gains.
How to Embrace True Authenticity
So, how can you begin to live this deeper version of authenticity? Here are some practical steps:
1. Embrace Biblical Truth
The Bible is your guide. Just like you shouldn’t get frustrated with your phone for not working if you haven’t read the manual, don’t get frustrated with how your life is going if you aren’t spending time in Gods instructions for a life well lived. Dive into God’s word.
2. Develop Self-Awareness
Take an honest look at how you’re currently navigating life. If your approach isn’t working, choose a different approach. Don’t blame others, figure out how to own your journey in becoming who God made you to be.
3. Invest in Growth
Adopting this better version of authenticity requires consistent effort and a growth mindset. Commit to learning and improving daily. Not sure how to grow jump into God’s word and let the Spirit guide you.
4. Practice Humility
Balance your view of yourself and of others. You aren’t that smart and other people aren’t that dumb (or vice versa). You approach most situations with one of these views and neither is fully accurate. We are all on our own journey of discovery. Find value in what you are learning on your journey and express curiosity in other people’s journeys.
5. Give Grace Freely
No one gets it right 100% of the time—including you. Extend grace to yourself and others. You can’t get mad at people who are playing a different game for not following the rules you are playing by, most people no longer look to God for their instructions. Apologize, empathize, and forgive when necessary.
What is the Outcome of Living True Authenticity
Living authentically as someone made in God’s image provides a stability and depth that no self-made version of authenticity can match. It’s a path that leads to purpose, fulfillment, and relationships that stand out and provide you a platform for leaving a legacy worth repeating. Any other version of authenticy will ultimately lead to disappointment.
Start your journey today. Begin with humility, self-awareness, and a commitment to grow into the person God created you to be. True authenticity isn’t about living your truth; it’s about living His truth.