Breaking Free from Imitation and Embracing Your God-Given Identity
As I scroll through Facebook (probably more than I should), I often come across posts I know are fake. Despite this, I find myself reading the comments just to see what others are saying. It always surprises me how many people buy into these fake articles. With just a few clicks and three minutes at most, they could verify the truth—especially with satire sites!
It saddens me to see so many people fall for this. But as I reflect, I realize the same thing happens in church. How often do we see people pretending to be someone they’re not?
God Won’t Bless Who You Pretend to Be
One of the most powerful truths I’ve heard is this: God won’t bless the person you pretend to be. Let that sink in. God desires your authentic self. And let’s be real—people do too. How often have you walked away from a conversation thinking, That person felt fake?
In contrast, there are those conversations that leave you saying, Wow, they were so open and real. Those are my kind of people! I love deep, heavy conversations. When someone wears their heart on their sleeve, it resonates.
Scripture Reflection: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13) — God designed you with intention. Embracing who you are honors that design.
Reflection: Pretending to be someone else not only disconnects you from God’s blessings but exhausts you emotionally. God’s power flows through authenticity, not imitation. Embrace the version of you He carefully crafted.
Authenticity Breeds Connection
When Sandy and I hosted The Chris & Sandy Show, I often shared personal stories during interviews. Sometimes, fans of the guests (including celebrities) would criticize me, saying, We’re here for their story, not yours! But what they didn’t realize was why I did it.
First, our show wasn’t about traditional interviews—it was about real, heartfelt conversations. Second, sharing a vulnerable story encouraged the guests to open up more. When I showed authenticity, it paved the way for them to do the same. Many times, this led to some of the deepest, most personal moments on the show.
Lesson from the Bible: Consider Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4). Jesus opened the conversation by acknowledging her reality, not shaming her. His authenticity and understanding drew her closer, ultimately transforming her life.
Reflection: Real connection comes when we let our guard down. People relate to struggle and imperfection far more than to polished exteriors. Vulnerability bridges the gap between hearts.
Authenticity Doesn’t Mean Being Mean
Authenticity is vital, but it doesn’t give us a license to be mean or harsh. While being true to ourselves involves vulnerability and honesty, it’s essential to remember that God calls us to love others as He loves us. Authenticity should never come at the expense of kindness. Sometimes, people use “being real” as an excuse to express their opinions without considering the impact on others. However, being authentic isn’t about being blunt or insensitive; it’s about being honest in a way that fosters connection, not division. We can share the truth with love and respect, understanding that how we speak to others is just as important as what we say.
Jesus showed us this perfect balance. He was undeniably authentic in His interactions, but He was never harsh or demeaning. He spoke the truth in love, always with a heart for transformation and healing. As followers of Christ, our authenticity should reflect His love, drawing others closer to Him, not pushing them away. Let’s embrace who we are without compromising kindness, showing that being real can be both courageous and compassionate.
Scripture: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
Reflection: Authenticity is important, but it should never be divorced from grace. In our pursuit of being real, we must remember that our words have the power to build up or tear down. Just as salt enhances flavor, our conversations should be seasoned with kindness and respect. Being honest doesn’t mean being harsh; it means sharing the truth with love. As we navigate authenticity, let’s ask ourselves if our words reflect the heart of Christ—full of grace, truth, and compassion.
Creating a Safe Space Invites Vulnerability
I remember one guest whose PR agent called 30 minutes before the show, asking me to go easy on him. He doesn’t open up much. He’s shy, she warned. I reassured her, saying, Don’t worry, I’ve got this.
As the show went live, something beautiful happened. The guest opened up fully. Afterward, the PR agent called me, stunned. What did you do? He never talks like that. The answer was simple—he felt safe and comfortable. Authenticity creates trust.
Scripture Reflection: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) — When we create spaces of trust, people find healing and courage to be vulnerable.
Reflection: People are waiting for someone to create a space where they can be real. Be that person. Safe environments foster openness and healing, which ultimately lead to transformation.
The World Needs More Real, Less Fake
We live in a world saturated with filters, curated feeds, and false personas. People crave realness. Future success will belong to those who are unapologetically authentic. Social media has sharpened our ability to spot what’s genuine and what’s not.
Think of Keanu Reeves. His humility and authenticity have earned him widespread respect. In an industry often marked by superficiality, his realness stands out. People are drawn to that.
Biblical Example: David, a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), was far from perfect. But he was real with God—in his triumphs and failures. David’s authenticity drew him closer to God.
Reflection: Authenticity is magnetic. In a world where everyone tries to fit in, standing out by being real is a breath of fresh air. People are looking for leaders and friends who are genuine.
Be a First-Class Version of Yourself
Here’s the final thought: You can only be a second-class someone else, but a first-class you. God created you for a purpose. When you embrace your authentic self, you walk in alignment with that purpose.
Scripture to Anchor This: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) — God’s plan for you is unique. Trust it.
Reflection: There’s freedom in knowing you don’t have to compete or compare. God’s fingerprints are on your life, and His purpose for you cannot be fulfilled by anyone else. Step fully into that identity.
Call to Action:
Take five minutes today to reflect—where am I holding back my true self? Ask God to reveal where you need to step fully into the person He created you to be.
In a world full of imitators, choose authenticity. The right people will be drawn to you, and most importantly, God will bless the real you—the one He designed and loves unconditionally.