Stop! What if You Were Made to Be Different
Just look at a group of teen girls. They are probably all dressed alike, with similar hairstyles, and the same brand of purses thrown over their shoulders. Because we want to fit in. We want to be liked. Everyone knows popular is better than unpopular.
Stop.
What if you were made to be different?
You were.
Uniquely created by a God who loves you more than you can imagine. He planned your personality, talents, gifts, and abilities so you impact the lives of others. So you can make a difference.
I wonder why we try so hard to be one of the crowd, just like our friends . . . average; when God, our Father, wants so much more for us. Just to be who He created us to be.
The following quotes and verses are inspiring me as I pursue authenticity. I hope they inspire you too.
Quotes to Inspire Authenticity
“Only when self moves out of the way can His spectacular glory come cascading through your life. When Jesus is in His rightful place, all insecurity will fade away and His lasting loveliness will become the mark of your life.” ~Leslie Ludy, The Lost Art of True Beauty
When God created human beings, He made them in His own likeness. Genesis 5:1
“Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.” ~Mother Theresa
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
[Tweet “”Without authenticity, we are only a poor imitation of someone else.” ~Tom Hayes”]
“How would your life be different if…You approached all relationships with authenticity and honesty? Let today be the day…You dedicate yourself to building relationships on the solid foundation of truth and authenticity.” ~Steve Maraboli
The Spirit of God created me, and the breath of the Almighty gave me life. Job 33:4
“We cannot let the haters of this world define us. Or frighten us into no longer being ourselves.” ~ Mary E. DeMuth
Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect. Romans 12:2
“I believe Christians can do authenticity best. We serve a God who is always truthful. Never lies. Never deceives. Has, in fact, defeated the Father of Lies. But I fear that without biblical thought, we may accept an inferior and postmodern version of tell-all, tolerate-all authenticity.” ~Megan Hill, Christianity Today
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
“Jesus said, ‘Greater things of these you shall do…’ Become a peace builder, a bridge builder, not a destroyer, and the way you do that is through friendships and relationships, and through authentic character.” ~Ravi Zacharias
An authentic life is the most personal form of worship. Everyday life has become my prayer.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach
Seek the Kingdom of God[e] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
“Authentic Christianity never destroys what is good. It makes it grow, transfigures it, and enriches itself from it.” ~Author Unknown
“You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5: 13,14,16
“I know of nothing more valuable, when it comes to the all-important virtue of authenticity, than simply being who you are.” ~Charles Swindoll
What quotes do you use to remind yourself to be authentic?
These quotes and scriptures are so great! Thanks for sharing them. My favorite quote is the one from Leslie Ludy. THAT is my desire. And Romans 12:2 is a verse God has been placing before me over and over. Love this post, Deb!
Thank you Sabra! It’s funny when I started looking for quotes on authentic living it wasn’t easy to find words written from a Christian perspective. Yet we should be the most authentic people on the planet. I think that’s what is so great about Ludy’s quote. When Jesus is in His rightful place in our lives – we will live authentically. God bless you!
Learning to embrace who I truly am…and also am not has been big in my life over the last year. I’m finding it so freeing to be who I really am supposed to be. It still remains a challenge for me some days and in some areas, but it’s fun to see myself branch out in various areas that I wouldn’t have before. Thanks for sharing this message.
Good for you Shannon. I’ve been working on the for years, but my prayer is to be even more intentional with my time to be a better authentic me. Whew! Baby steps as always. Thanks so much for visiting! God bless you!
Good question. I am no sure right now. This is indeed a thought-provoking article. I am going to have to come back and reread it. 😉
Mary, I’m challenging myself this week to be intentional and authentic. Making specific choices to be a good steward of my time, gifts, and abilities.
I am thrilled to see a Christian perspective on a word that is a “trendy” one but that should have always identified us as people of God’s integrity.
Thank you Helene! It was hard to find information on being authentic that didn’t include “self.” Followers of Jesus should be the most authentic people on the planet as we live to glorify the One who created us for His plans and purposes. Hugs to you!
I like the one Megan Hill wrote and Mother Teresa’s, too. All of them, though, are so inspiring!
Blessings, Deb!
I remember those days of trying to be like everybody else. Of course, some days I still do! Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday and encouraging us to live authentically.
Thank you Holly for hosting us each week and for sharing your love for the Lord to encourage our hearts. Many blessings to you!
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, A PECULIAR PEOPLE; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light – 1 Peter 2:9
Amen Kathleen!
Super cool quotes and scriptures! Thank you!! I’m absolutely loving that Mother Teresa quote in particular. It takes genuine courage to be open and vulnerable with others, but there is so much value in it.
You’re right Micah! It’s not easy to be authentic, but oh the blessings! Trying to be more courageous with His help!