Courageous Authenticity
We may have several roles we play in society: as a spouse, a parent, or a co-worker, to name a few. At the same time, there are cultural standards for what it means to be “good” at the various roles we find ourselves in. But these cultural standards are sometimes in conflict with who we are in Jesus. So, how do we navigate cultural pressure to “fit-in” while remaining authentic to the person Jesus is transforming us into?
Paul was writing to 1st century Romans. How do you think Colossians 3:18-4:1 would be written to 21st century Americans? How would it be expanded or changed? What would stay the same?
Paul instructs the Colossians to “work heartily.” This extends beyond our jobs. What does it look like to work heartily in every other area of your life?
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul says we all belong to the body of Christ, but we are individual members of that body. So, what it means to be authentic will look different from person to person. What does living authentically as a follower of Jesus mean to you?
When have you ever felt the pressure to please people? What did it look like, or what would it look like, to be courageously authentic in that situation?
Further Reading
Searching for the Generous Life
Just like modest investments can grow over time, our investment into God's kingdom generates growth and produces eternal dividends. The apostle Paul presented the Macedonian believers as an example of generous giving to the Corinthian church and to us. Let's explore...
Searching for Reconciliation
Confronting others concerning biblical/theological compromise is never easy or pleasant. Such encounters must be handled with sensitivity to the needs of others, directed by spiritual wisdom and the Scriptures, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul closed chapter two of...
Searching for Courage
On the surface, hearing God and following His commands seems straightforward. However, when God calls us to do something that generates fear in us and feels daunting, second-guessing His call becomes reasonable. Finding the courage to obey such a call is overwhelming....
Searching for the Abundant Life
Jesus explicitly explained his purpose when He said “…I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). He said similar things many times, and these ideas are repeated, over and over again, by those who wrote the New Testament. Yet many people,...
Searching for Real Friendship
Some relationships may imitate friendship, but there’s no substitute for the real thing. Exploring the relationship between David and Jonathan in the Bible, we’ll identify some distinguishing features of friendship that are often overlooked and discover how to infuse...