authenticity, part 3
So what about us? Why do we struggle so? We want authenticity in others, but are unwilling to give it ourselves. We need come to the place where we are realistic with ourselves first. Maybe the reason so many people feel others are not authentic, is they believe that others are like themselves.
I realize there is a lot to this whole “authenticity” thing (especially as I sit and write this to a general audience as a faceless person who may just be full of crap). I think some of it however can be seen in the story of Paul. I love his story, not only because he sees himself for what he is, but also because of the way he is received.
The story tells us that some are suspicious about this guy who all of the sudden is a “good-guy.” They realize soon after, that he is the real deal. He has realized who he is, and the community accepts him and celebrates his uniqueness. Wouldn’t it be great if it was like that now?
So many are scared to be real and talk about their dirty little secrets because of what might be thought of them. And God only knows what could happen when a “good Christian” finds out about what you are doing wrong. They have to tell someone else, not because it is gossip, but because it has to be told. Then people whisper about you when you walk into church, because you, you chose to make an attempt at authenticity, you chose to look at who you really are.
Some of the reason people whisper, and roll their eyes at truly authentic people is they are threatened because their goes someone who knows themselves well. In some ways this knowledge in and of itself is a threat to others who are faking their way through life. It is a vicious cycle, isn’t it?
People are not authentic, because they feel like no one is. Then they try, and they see people who are judgmental, and shallow, and they hate it, so they go back to inauthenticity. Then someone else comes around, they see that person being inauthentic …
Who do others expect me to be? Do I really want that?
Who do other think I am? Do I really care?
Who do I see myself as? Is this real?
Who do I try to act like? Is this really me?
Who was I created to be? This is what I am to capture.
Maybe these are the questions we should be working through, and stop thinking about the authenticity of others ... or the inauthenticity of others. This is ancient wisdom ... Socrates said it ... know thyself.