Pursue Authenticity

I love Lysa Terkeurst's "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" Devotional #27. It tells us "real love pursues authenticity rather than chasing acceptance." This statement speaks volumes to me, and is such a great reminder for us to check our motives.

Are you pursuing authenticity or chasing acceptance?

1 Chronicles 29:17-18

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.

If our motive is to please others over pleasing God we should be asking ourselves why that is. Take some time to understand where this thought process stems from, does this behavior come from your childhood or is there another place?

Seeking the approval of others is exhausting and drains our energy because we cannot please everyone no matter how hard we try. The sooner we realize this the quicker we can begin living the authentic life God wants us to live.

How does that look in your own life? What changes do you need to make to be more authentic?

1 John 3:18-20

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Make peace with the fact that not everyone will like you. This is something I have always tried to remind my kids of and often times think "Okay Jill, it's time to remember the advice you give your kids."

Yes, even as an adult we need to be reminded that not everyone will like us and if we are following God that is all that matters. Stay true to what God puts on your heart, discern the voices you are listening to. Not everyone will understand your journey, they are not meant to. Just as you are not meant to understand there's. At times the road may feel lonely because of that, but if we are focused on God it should not feel lonely at all. He reminds us that He is with us! Just as Isaiah 41:10 says: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Friends, I encourage you to be the authentic person God created you to be!

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime