Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024

What We Need More Than Being ‘Real’

As I travel, I hear a lot of talk about the importance of being real. We all know of course that being fake won't get us where we need to go.

As I travel, I hear a lot of talk about the importance of being real. We all know of course that being fake won’t get us where we need to go. But with the passing of time, I’ve learned to question whether “real” is, well, really enough.

After I minister, I often hear comments like, “Thanks for being real!” That has always tripped me up a bit. Mind you, I realize this is meant to be a compliment—but a few years ago, I found myself wishing for something more.

I was flying home from a speaking engagement and reflecting on this idea when I sensed the Spirit speaking to me. “Lisa,” He said, “I am looking for something more. You can be a real piece of wood, and when you go into the fire, you’ll come out a real pile of ashes. I am looking for more than real in you. I want to work with the authentic.”

I realized from this that something can be real without being authentic. A copy of a Monet is real, but it isn’t authentic. Authentic items are usually tested at a level deeper than superficial touch.

In areas of our own lives as well, at times something can look authentic and sound authentic, but when we check the references, we realize the truth. I’d guess that some of us who have been called “real” need to be careful we are not just real carnal. I have heard fleshly behavior excused by saying, “Hey, I’m just being real!” Not only is fleshly behavior unattractive, it does not accurately represent our value or the price paid to authenticate us as genuinely His.

Let’s remember Paul’s words:

“Therefore, brothers, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if through the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God” (Rom. 8:12-14).

Through the power of God’s Spirit, we can rise above our earthly tendencies and live as what we now are: children of God. When we live authentically, we should look different than the world does when it acts real. Sound like a tall order? I know living flowers cost more to maintain, but I prefer a single rose over an entire bouquet of silk and plastic. Give me something alive and growing, and let me be part of making it blossom and bloom! Are you with me?

Let’s ask the Father to show us the difference between being real and being authentic. And let’s pray that He will place in us His authentic passion and love for those around us.

When we take our standard to another level, we can become people who authentically reflect our God and who He says we are!

To dig deeper into this subject, check out Lisa Bevere‘s book Fight Like a Girl: The Power of Being a Woman.

Related Post

Leave a Reply

Related Podcasts

More News
Isaiah Saldivar: What Christians Need to Know About Casting Out Demons
Isaiah Saldivar: What Christians Need to Know About Casting Out Demons
Evangelist Overcomes Violence and Jail, Continues Proclaiming Jesus
Evangelist Overcomes Violence and Jail, Continues Proclaiming Jesus
This Is Why Heavenly Rewards Are Not All Equal
This Is Why Heavenly Rewards Are Not All Equal
7 Powerful Tips for Aspiring Preachers
7 Powerful Tips for Aspiring Preachers
7 Things Christian Women Should Know About Walking in Faith
7 Things Christian Women Should Know About Walking in Faith
Demons and Paranormal Phenomena: L.A. Marzulli’s Spiritual Warning
Demons and Paranormal Phenomena: L.A. Marzulli’s Spiritual Warning
Amplifying God’s Light of the World
Amplifying God’s Light of the World
Disagree, but Keep It Holy: Here’s How
Disagree, but Keep It Holy: Here’s How
Diving Deeper in the Holy Spirit
Diving Deeper in the Holy Spirit
Dying to Self: 9 Promises to Help You
Dying to Self: 9 Promises to Help You
previous arrow
next arrow
Shadow

Latest Videos
76.8K Subscribers
998 Videos
7.6M Views

Copy link