Authentically Me
written by: Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ”
Lately I’ve heard people described as “authentic.” Is being authentic or inauthentic just one of those things you know when you see it? I guess being authentic could mean being honest about yourself and others. Yet, how do you know you are being your real self? I decided to turn to one of Sira M.’s articles for assistance. We will look at a few of her “7 Core Traits of Authentic People.”
Sira doesn’t bring God into the equation, but that is where I come in. Sira affirms, “Authentic People Don’t Seek External Validation.” Most of us are far too concerned about whether we are cool, smart, beautiful, handsome, or anything else enough. For people of faith, we are called to only seek our validation from God. When we surrender to social expectations we are not inclined to meet God’s expectations for our lives. Authentic people of faith must choose whose expectations we will follow.
Sira continues, “They are Emotionally Agile.” Interpersonal struggles are a reality in a world full of imperfect human beings. Being authentic means knowing yourself and the emotions that are coming to the surface. Being able to admit and control one’s emotions leaves us calm enough to make room for the Holy Spirit to mold our feelings in a way that is most beneficial in the moment. Finally, Sira says, “They Are Open to Learning from Their Mistakes.” None of us are perfect. Authentic people are confident enough to review their mistakes, learn, and adjust, rather than spend their time making excuses.
Being an authentic person of faith requires us to remain humble enough to listen, learn, and respond with everyone’s best interest at heart. Today, God is working in your life every minute. Each situation is another opportunity to become a little more authentic. It is incumbent upon each of us to bring the Holy Spirit into our lives in a way that makes us our true selves. The faithful can only be our authentic selves when God is at the center.
