Authenticity is a fun word to talk about. It’s been buzzing in Christian circles for the last few years, and we really like the idea. Being open, and honest is great. We need those people with whom we are open and honest, a group of friends with whom we can “do life together.” But there’s a minor problem.
Authenticity is much easier to talk about than to practice.
I love to talk about being open and honest with a small group of people; I hate opening up my life and letting others examine it. Now don’t get me wrong, I do it, but it isn’t the easiest thing. I would probably bet on the fact that I’m not alone in that way. Perhaps you too have a harder time practicing authenticity over talking about it. Authenticity requires me letting others see that I’m not who I wish I was. Authenticity requires being vulnerable.
Authenticity is something that most of us have to be intentional about.
We have to make it a priority. We have to find that group of people that we build trust with. We have to invest, to listen, to share. Authenticity might be easier to talk about, but in the long run, it’s much more beneficial to practice. No one ever found community by talking about authenticity; rather community happens after we’re authentic.
I think in the midst of stuff that guys do, they will become authentic. However, it’s like it has to be in conjunction with stuff. We don’t want to sit around and share our feelings. We will talk about stuff while playing golf or watching a game, etc.
True, most men prefer to do something… So sitting around having a Bible study isn’t the end all for most guys. The guys in my group have helped each other with various projects, gotten together to play disc golf, etc. Sometimes its easier to get the relational ball rolling when there’s something to break the tension, or a common interest. Thanks for pointing it out, Larry.