Spiritual Authenticity

Matthew 6:16-18

When you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. (Matthew 6:16)

JOHN OF LYCOPOLIS, one of the early “desert fathers” who retreated to monastic life in the Egyptian desert in the 300s, used to warn visitors to the monastery about taking spiritual pride in imitating a monk’s virtues. He knew, perhaps from his own experience, the dangers of taking credit for righteous behavior that looks impressive on the outside but is really just playing the part for a time. On one hand, monks and their followers faced the temptation of abandoning their vows of austerity; on the other, they faced the temptation of putting too much stock in keeping them. A focus on self-effort creates a no-win situation: Success leads to pride, failure to shame, and either way the flesh is responsible.

Non-Christians have little difficulty discerning the hypocrisies of spiritual pride, as well as of feigned humility. Many of them suspect we are playing a part, feeding our egos, and striving to impress. An effort-based spirituality is superficial religion, devoid of the power of the gospel of grace. It puts all the attention on the self—self-improvement, self-righteousness, self-discipline—and none on Christ. It misses the point of being a sinner saved by grace, redeemed by the power of God and restored by his Spirit. It aims to impress and almost always misses the mark.

Never let yourself think about impressing anyone with how spiritual you are, or even be self-conscious about the impression you are making. Some of that thinking comes from good intentions, but it is a form of independence from God. The strength of your testimony comes from being who you are—empowered beyond your own means, forgiven when you’ve blown it, and trusting of the work of God within you. Authenticity makes an impression that can never be orchestrated by human ingenuity. More than that, it gives God an opportunity to display what he is doing in your life. Your testimony as a Christian depends on Christ, and him alone.

{Jesus, I want you to be glorified in my failures, honored in my successes, and preeminent in everything I do. Lead me into a life of dependence so you receive credit for my discipleship. Lead me into relationships, places, and situations that showcase who you are in my life. Amen.