Authentic

Luke 16:14-18 (The Message)

When the Pharisees, a money-obsessed bunch, heard him say these things, they rolled their eyes, dismissing him as hopelessly out of touch.

So Jesus spoke to them: "You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what's behind the appearance.

What society sees and calls monumental,
God sees through and calls monstrous.
God's Law and the Prophets climaxed in John;
Now it's all kingdom of God—the glad news
and compelling invitation to every man and woman.
The sky will disintegrate and the earth dissolve
before a single letter of God's Law wears out.
Using the legalities of divorce
as a cover for lust is adultery;
Using the legalities of marriage
as a cover for lust is adultery.


Appearances can be deceiving.

Jesus is teaching this lesson in a powerful way. Things that appear holy, appropriate, or even "monumental," can sometimes remain "monstrous" on the inside.

Studies show that if you ask young adults today what they most look for in a church, they're likely to say something like, "authentic."

In essence, it's a way to say..."just let things be what they claim to be."

"Hypocrisy" is the most cited reason given by people who don't attend a church. Anytime a group gets together and aspires to great things, a certain amount of hypocrisy is the risk that is taken.

So, what can we do?

I think we start by listening to Jesus, not "rolling our eyes," like the Pharisees. Then, we forget about trying to get power, control, or authority over other people. We do the hard work of divesting of our egos, and we make humility our way in the world.

We pray, develop a real relationship with God and humbly ask that he give us the gift of authenticity.

Don't worry...we'll fail. We'll fall short. That's why there is grace.

Nobody out there really expects us to be perfect. They do expect us not to act like it.

Let's act like who we are called to be...imperfect vessels, filled by God's grace. Slowly but surely, healing...growing stronger...humbled by God's goodness, and willing to extend that love toward others.

Prayer: God, we ask you to empty us of ego and pride. Help us not to make false claims about who we are. Show us how to live the lives you have made for us. Help us to love one another as you have loved us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.