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
In the Garden
What does faithfulness look like in the face of our temptations and weakness? Along with Jesus’ disciples, we can learn and grow in faithfulness as we follow Jesus to the last supper and into prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Read Mark 14:32-42, and if you can make...
A Beautiful Thing
As Jesus prepared for the cross, an unnamed woman responded to Jesus with faith in a unique way. She understood truth about Jesus that eluded other disciples and gave Jesus an extravagant gift. Let’s remember how her example teaches us to follow the Lord with faith...
Stay Awake
Throughout His time on earth, Jesus' disciples asked Him many of the same questions that we find ourselves wrestling with today. Instead of giving a direct and clear response to their questions, Jesus focused more on the heart and attitude of His followers. We have...
Death and Taxes
Death and taxes are two of life’s certainties, and Jesus responded to questions about those topics to redirect our attention to timeless truth. Remembering the source and owner of all the parts of our life, as well as life itself, radically changes our perspectives....
Divine Authority
While Jesus entered conflict with religious leaders over his authority, he also revealed significant truth about his mission, God’s good gifts, and our responsibilities. What can Jesus’ teaching, storytelling, and confrontation with religious authorities teach us...