Being Real

When I look at Jesus I see a man who was real.  He was a guy who was genuine, knew who he was, was confident in that, and lived based on his understanding of who he really was.

On good days I look at Jesus' life and become excited about the possibilities.  On not so good days, I look at Jesus' and can become frustrated because that is certainly not where I am!

I think we all want to be real, with ourselves, with others and with God, but it can be a scary thing because it means owning who we currently are, and being honest with ourselves.

A little less than two years ago I heard a presentation by a man named Warren Gerehty.  Here was a guy that was real and honest.  The topic he spoke on was:  5 Keys to Crash and Burn Well.  He relayed important life lessons that helped him to learn to live a life of authenticity and I offer them to you today.
1.  Let Fear Rule You
2.  Work at Daily Pushing Away Loss
3.  Work Hard at Being Someone That You're Not
4.  Do Not Deal with People Conflict
5.  Ignore Your Basic Human Needs

Of course Gerehty used these titles as tongue-in-cheek and the reverse meaning came through loud and clear. And as I write this, I am reminded of just how clearly all these principles are at work in Jesus' life.  He was not ruled by fear as he lived in the power of the Holy Spirit which brings boldness, power and love.  He did not avoid loss as he was willing to embrace the loss of relationship with His heavenly Father when he died on the cross.  He knew well who he was and stated that he not only knew His Father's business but that he was committed to living out the mandate of that business as well.  He didn't avoid conflict as he would again and again address the religious leadership of his day.  And he allowed himself to enjoy his life by entertaining and being entertained at parties, feasts, weddings etc; he would take time alone to pray and be refreshed; he loved being with his family and was overjoyed to be in the presence of children.

Too often we talk about Jesus being real in the sense of trying to prove that he existed, but I think the real important issue is that Jesus was real in that he was absolutely genuine.

Pure authenticity walked the earth in the form of a man.

I think the really great thing is that he still lives, and that he is concerned about my well-being, your well-being, and is wanting us to walk in the same kind of authenticity that he did.

It's a journey, and sometimes one fraught with danger and dark clouds, but Jesus told us that he is the way, the truth and the life--and you know what. . . .

I believe Him.

BT