The Authentic Christian Life

Authenticity and integrity are attributes we tend to value highly. Although, sadly these days, they’re all too often shouted down by a world more interested in personal gain than in decency and truth.

Of course, there’s nothing new in that. Back in the late 18^th century, slavery was still deeply entrenched in the British economy. The transatlantic slave trade was a brutal and lucrative industry involving the forced transportation of millions of Africans.

British politician and committed Christian, William Wilberforce, became the leading figure in the movement to abolish the slave trade. Despite immense opposition from those who profited from the trade, Wilberforce was unwavering in his belief that slavery was morally wrong.

The majority howled him down out of self-interest. But in 1807 the British Parliament finally passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, which made it illegal throughout the British Empire to engage in slavery .

There are going to be times when your honesty, and common decency too, will fly in the face of the self-interest of others, so listen up.

Proverbs 10:9-11 Honest people can always feel secure, but lying cheaters will be caught. If you fail to speak the truth, trouble will follow. If you speak openly, peace will come. The words of good people are like a spring of fresh water, but the words of the wicked only hide their violent plans.

Be authentic. Be true. Be the same person in private as you are in public. Live honestly, without hypocrisy, even when people come against you. Especially then, because in the end truth wins out.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.