Being an Authentic Child of God
One of the most important of all human behaviors, namely, the ability to be authentic around others, is something at times we all fail. Too often we will be a certain self at home, another at work, and yet another at church, or the grocery store, etc. When we behave one way in public and another way at home, that is an indicator that we are not being authentic. If this behavior sounds familiar, you may have experienced the anguish that happens when we meet someone from work and someone from church in our home or theirs.
We suddenly have the problem of how to behave, which hat should I wear? We can become outwardly nervous and uncertain. If this has happened to you, you have had a moment of not being your authentic, God given self.
People who are not authentic can be hard on themselves and others. They can be overly sensitive and uncertain and are unsure how to react.
How do we learn to be the authentic child God intended?
Be patient with ourselves through this process.
God does not expect, or desire that we become like someone else. God made us unique for himself, he knows everything about us from the tiniest freckle to our most obvious trait. Our authentic self is who God wants to relationship with, not some imitation of someone else. And believe it, God has made the wholesome, natural individuals that we really are to be attractive and likeable.
God himself, working through the Holy Spirit, molds us into his image.
II Corinthians 3:18 says, …And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Now that we know God is doing a hidden work inside our hearts, we can rest and relax from guessing who we are to become.
There are some things we can do individually. We can ask God daily that all self-consciousness may leave you and that when with other people you may be your own happy, natural and relaxed self. Then when you are thus released from the inhibitions of self, people will respond and like you because God has made you attractive and likable.
Practice loving people. It is true that this requires effort and continued practice, for some are not very loveable, or so it seems—with emphasis upon “seems”. Every person has lovable qualities when you really learn to know them.
Make a list of the people whom you do not like, or who have irritated or even harmed you. Then go right down the list and pray for each one by name, and forgive them as you pray. Ask the LORD to help you to see them as He sees them to help you love them as He loves them. I have seen such astonishing results of this practice —even as a block of ice, which is thick, requires lots of sunshine to melt it, but it melts eventually- the power of intercessory prayer to our Father through Jesus Christ can transform lives.
Practice changing any critical attitude toward others and get in the habit of looking for something to praise. Once we start picking at people critically, we will find ourselves criticizing everything they do. Reverse this mental attitude by finding something, however small, to praise in everyone. If you dislike someone, take a piece of paper and make a list of everything you can possible admire about that person. Try to increase your list on this individual from day to day.
Practice believing in people and show them that you believe in them. While it is true that occasionally someone in whom you believe will fail, in the greater number of cases your belief in a person will awaken in them a corresponding belief in themselves-and in you.
Practice helping others, especially when prompted by the Holy Spirit. Never do it in expectation of something in return. Do it because it is the kindly and Christian thing to do.
Look for every chance to say the right word , especially when prompted by the Holy Spirit, and always do it sincerely without any expectation of return.
Until next time, God bless you and your loved ones.
