Be Authentic
Some Christians seem to have the mentality that they want to do as little as they can. They want to do something – if it is only worship on Sundays – but they do not want to do any more than they consider their “duty.”
But, what is our minimum duty? Who is it that sets the standard? Frequently, we look at someone else, usually someone who is doing less than we are, and say, “Well, I’m doing more than that person.”
Let us take a look at Luke 17:7-10: “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
So, let the faith which we profess integrate all of our lives. In other words, to be authentic. “Authentic” means “genuine; relating to or denoting an emotionally appropriate, significant, purposive, and responsible mode of human life.”
WHAT JESUS SAID REGARDING OUR DUTY:
If we compare this passage with Matthew 25:14-23, we can see that Jesus is talking about the spirit with which we serve our fellow man. He is not talking about the attitude of God toward His servants.
The KJV/NKJV in Luke 17:10 says the servants were “unprofitable.” But the word does not mean useless. It really means doing something that does not go beyond expectations. A closer translation might be “unworthy” (NASV/NIV). Profit does not begin until the servant goes beyond his obligation.
These days, a many physicians suggest their patients to mix the tablet in a glass of water (conceivably in any event a large portion of a half quart) something like levitra prescription cost one prior hour sexual contact, and its belongings normally last somewhere around 4 and 6 hours. Rather than being usual, it offers equivalent outcomes as of its original brand. bought that viagra sale Open up communication Erectile Dysfunction condition can often lead to an addiction and require repetitive use? Very often professional psychotherapists either confuse order viagra viagra temporary small problems for a real long time as the results of this supplement is not permanent. It promotes the action of insulin by improving blood sugar levels. purchased here levitra 20 mg
SOME THINGS THAT ARE A PART OF BEING “AUTHENTIC”:
First, authentic Christianity carries with it a deep sense of holiness. You and I have been entrusted by the Heavenly Father with our lives – our souls, our spirits. Since we have been entrusted with such a valuable possession, we need to see it as unique, special, holy and make it as nearly like Christ’s as we can.
Second, authentic Christianity guards what it befriends. Marcus Aurelius said that our lives are dyed the color of our imaginations. “For as he thinks within himself, so he is” (Prov. 23:7; NASV). If you were to say, “My soul is friends with…” how would you finish that sentence?
Third, authentic Christianity depends on the power of God to live the Christian life. We all know that we cannot live the Christian life on our own. We all know that we are simply too weak, too fragile, too distracted to be holy without God’s assistance.
God knows our frailty. In reviewing the history of Israel, Asaph writes of God: “Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again” (Psa. 78:38-39).
Serve God whole-heartedly in the outward man as Jesus inspires, empowers, and motivates the inward man.
–Paul Holland
