LETTER 28 - DISCIPLES OF JESUS ARE AUTHENTIC
Dear Redeemer Family,
A disciple of Jesus is "the real thing." Which means, they are the same in their heart as they are in their behavior. Which means, they are as Christlike when they believe no one is looking as they are Christlike in public.
This is called congruence. Also called integrity.
Authenticity is having the character of Christ wherever and whenever we are.
Years ago God told me, "John, you do not have to be like other people." I wrote this in my journal - "God, I no longer want to be like other people. I want to be like You."
Christ-like; like Christ. Inside and outside.
The desire to be like certain people is not all bad. After all, the apostle Paul counseled his churches to "imitate" him. I have been influenced by other disciples of Jesus. Such people had Christlike qualities I wanted to emulate.
This is not about pretending. A disciple is not a pretender. They are not an actor. Rather, their heart is being formed into the character of Christ. As the heart is formed into Jesus-likeness, behaviors follow.
Jesus has taught me that He is enough for me. And, that one day, I shall be like Him. This has freed me from the heavy burden of trying to be like someone I am not. It has freed me from comparing myself with others. It has freed me from pretending, from acting, so as to be liked by others.
It has rescued me from hypocrisy, and released me into authenticity.
I have not yet graduated from this class in the School of Jesus. But I have moved deeper into the curriculum. Jesus is the perfectly authentic person. I want to be like Him, inside and out.
I want this for you, too.
Love,
PJ
DECLARATIONS
I am the same person in private as I am in public.
I am the same person in my heart as I am in my actions.
I am free from comparing myself with other people.
More and more, I find my desire is to be like Jesus.
I don't pretend to be someone I am not.
This thought blows me away: One day, I shall be like Him!
