There has been a really big push in advertising and ministry circles over the last few years: this buzzword "authentic" and its variations. An "authentic experience" or "authentic cuisine" or "authentic relationships." It's the last one that has me really thinking lately.
So many people say that they want to have "authentic relationships." However, what they really mean is, "I want people to just leave me alone and accept me for being me without wanting me to change." However, we rarely want to give the same freedom to anybody else. We say we "crave authenticity," but what we really crave is someone being what we want them to be to us, without taking responsibility for what we bring to the relationship.
Relationships are a two-way street. I have my foibles. I'm quite aware of them. Some I've introduced myself to, others have been dragged into my presence with great kicking and screaming. Still others I've given birth to through my desires and experiences. They make me, well "me."
My question and challenge to myself today is, can I let you be the authentic person that God designed you to be, and in doing so, celebrate His creation in you? The murkier question (which I cannot answer) is whether you are willing to do the same for me?
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