An Authentic Christian

(This devotional email message which I received today from Pastor Paul Chappell of Lancaster Baptist Church describes the need to be an authentic Christian and contrasts precisely with the counterfeit Christian ending section of yesterday's post on my blog - hmmmm..... you think God had a hand in having this find my inbox today, or it's just a coincidence?!?!?! By the way, you can sign up for Pastor Chappel's daily devotional at www.dailyintheword.org).

James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word authentic as “being what is represented or claimed to be.” Sometimes in our day, it’s hard to find products or even relationships that are authentic. We seem to live in an imitation, general brand day and age. Yet, the Word of God calls us to live an authentic Christian life.

An authentic Christian must first be authentically born, by faith, into the family of God. First John 5:1 says, “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” Beyond conversion to Christ there will also be attributes or fruit that reveal a new nature. There are ways to tell whether a person is an authentic Christian or not. Today, we will see that an authentic Christian cares about the things of God.

So many people today have an “I don’t care attitude.” They don’t care about the Word of God, the people of God, and their testimony for God. But an authentic Christian, one who is walking according to God’s Spirit, does care!

An authentic Christian cares about pleasing God. These Christians care about the things of God and they desire to please God. Many Christians today desire to live only for themselves and do not care for the things of God. But an authentic Christian desires to honor and glorify God in all they do. They care about God’s reputation and they care about pleasing Him.

Also, an authentic Christian cares about God’s Word. They desire to read God’s Word and learn more about Him. Even though their day may be hectic, an authentic Christian makes God’s Word and spending time with God important in his life. He knows the importance of God’s Word and he seeks to make God a priority before his other earthly duties. He cares about spending time with God.

Not only does an authentic Christian read God’s Word, he also obeys God’s Word. He understands that God’s Word has the answers he needs in life, and he opens his heart to God as he reads His Word. He does not read it simply as duty, but rather, he heeds God’s commands and obeys His Word. He cares about not only hearing the Word of God, but doing it as well.

Are you an authentic Christian? Do you care about pleasing God, spending time in His Word, and obeying Him? If we are true Christians, we will care enough to obey God. Ask God to help you be an authentic Christian today. Read God’s Word right now and let Him work in your life today.