Authenticity is valued, and your words matters. Not only your words, also how consistent your actions are relative to those words.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Building a good reputation takes a lifetime, and losing it takes but a moment.” This can be particularly true for those of us who make others aware of our commitment to God. AKA Men of God.

Sadly, there are too many examples of priests, pastors, and televangelists (men of God) who have negatively colored the world’s perception of what it means to be a Christian. Have a conversation with someone who does not know God and ask them what they think of Christians. Self-righteous, judgemental, and hypocrite are a few adjectives you are likely to hear.

Does that describe you?

Let me put it this way: I haven’t run a marathon, but I have talked to people who have. My experience has been they typically fall into 2 camps: Camp 1) A runner who doesn’t even bring up the fact that they run. You only learn of it after someone else brings this up in conversation. I appreciate that. Camp 2) Will describe to you in excruciating detail how this is the pinacle of accomplishment. How hard they trained, almost fainted, got blisters, wore spandex that was too tight, etc. Or how it’s actually remarkable they survived because people died during their marathon, and how great they feel after running (and by implication how guilty/jealous/inadequate you should feel if you haven’t had the same experience).

How do you talk about your relationship with God? Do you? Does anyone know you are a Christian? Do you fit a stereotype they resent? Could people describe you without mentioning that? Do you do good things to be seen by men or to be a good influence?
Would you believe doing good things as an example to others is a trap? It is. If you are doing “Christian things” to be seen by others, you are being set up. Because effort develops a sense of entitlement. If you feel like you are paying God back through your actions you are wring. Because all of your effort amounts to NOTHING in the sight of God.

Doesn’t that seem a little unfair? You do good things, but don’t get credit for it.
You may feel great if you tell a coworker to go to church or give them a book recommendation. What if you were daily asking God to use you in the workplace? If we can daily put our focus on being empowered by God rather than our own strength, then we will not be filled with pride or self-deceit. When we recognize that it’s not our actions that have power but His word it frees us from feeling responsible for the outcome. We aren’t salesmen for God, telling others of his features, functions, and benefits. We are simply relating how He has changed us. An authentic life (combination of words and actions) is the best testimony of God’s work in you. It reveals your values.
It’s important for us to realize the source of good. I’ll give you a hint. It’s not you.

So, ask yourself some questions. How can you better establish a level of influence? How do you communicate your values, and how can you maintain an authentic faith? Are you making such a great effort at righteousness that it challenges others? Is your life uplifting? Are you regarded as a picture of God’s grace and peace?

The answer isn’t just in doing more good things. We must seek the life altering freedom that can only come from our proper relation to the saving work of Jesus.

To God be the glory forever and ever.

Tyler Lane lives in Houston with his wife, Marci.

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