let's be real

i have been struggling lately with detecting inauthenticity... how do you KNOW if someone is the "real deal"? what IS truth? is it what they SAY? or is it what they DO? do we dismiss actions that are seemingly offensive as simply being an unfortunate by-product of our fleshly sin nature and shower them with undeserved grace? or do we demand from each other, as believers, a certain degree of honesty and reality? i have been challenged lately, in my own personal walk with Jesus, to be exactly who i say i am and who i portray myself to be in public as well as in private. are we the Christ-followers others expect us to be in our own living rooms, in our own kitchens, in our cars? what is the basis of your friendship with Christ? is it anchored in the immutable Word of God or in the pages of the latest self-help book? how sweet is your fellowship with Him? (please realize that these questions are more for my own reflection than the conviction of others...) how TRUE is your WORD... do you worship in spirit and in TRUTH? are you a sheep or a goat? will He know me on that blessed day or turn and say "depart from me..."?

where am i in my relationship with Jesus?... is He the axis upon which my whole world rotates or simply a safety net in times of trials and tribulations? do i love Him like i say and sing that i do? do i love people with an intense affection and give myself completely in the service of others? i have come to realize lately that i truly am an unconditionally beloved daughter of my Abba Father... but what do i do with that knowledge? how do i LIVE IT OUT? let's attempt to hold each other to a higher standard - to extend mercy where mercy is due but CHALLENGE each other to live authentically and truthfully in the light of His glory and grace. He deserves ALL of us. every part of our hearts and our minds. ALL of it.