Living an Authentic LifeExemplo

From the Inside Out

So far in this plan, we’ve seen that what’s happening on the outside of our lives – in our words and actions – needs to match what’s happening on the inside, in our hearts.

Our worship of God can’t be just our time in a church on a Sunday morning. It needs to be expressed in how we live our lives every day. When those two things don’t match … well, we call that hypocrisy.

But as with anything, the journey from hypocrisy to authenticity, from mere believer to disciple, is a journey of a thousand miles. It begins with the first step.

Now, you may be already be thinking to yourself, “I have to be a better Christian. I have to work harder at this.” My friend, that is an approach that is doomed to failure. How do I know that? From bitter experience!

As someone who is driven and focused and wants to do everything to the best of my ability, I have implemented the “try harder, work more” thing many times in trying to overcome my sin – and I’ve failed every time. Did trying harder earn Martha Jesus’ praise in Luke 10:38–42? (Remember back to day one of this plan?) No! She was struggling and striving to do all she was expected to do but neglecting her relationship with Him. So Jesus rebuked her, telling her that her sister had chosen the better thing – to draw close to Him and let His Word transform her life.

The answer is not to try harder. In fact, the answer is that living an authentic life doesn’t depend on your ability or effort in the slightest.

Transformation, like everything else, begins in the heart. Just take a moment to read Jesus’ words in Matthew 15:19, Luke 6:45, and Matthew 12:34 (among many, many others).

It is God who brings the transformation, not your hard work!

He does this by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1–2). Your part is simply to draw close to Jesus by hearing the Word of God, by letting Him change your heart, so the abundance of your heart overflows with His goodness.

Friend, this is how to live an authentic Christian life. This is how to experience the abundant life that Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). This is how you and I become disciples who witness His majesty into this world.

Life Application Questions

• Have you ever been guilty of trying to “do better, be better” in your faith? What was the result of your efforts?
• Read again through Jesus’ words to Martha in Luke 10:38–42. What is God saying to you?
• Take a moment to do a heart check. Is there anything holding you back from trusting God to renew your heart and transform your life? Take it to Him today.

Finish in prayer:

Lord, I come to You today with a yearning in my heart to be transformed into the original image in which I was created – Your image. Forgive me Lord for trying to go it alone. Pour Your Spirit over me, draw me near, transform my life so I can live authentically in a loving relationship with you. Thank you, Father. Amen.

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