Living in Christian community, in a culture where the social affects on the individual is much less free spirited and accepting as it is in today’s North America, I’ve come to recognize and value real people, authentic people. Many of the Guatemalan ideologies stem from a religious route that the Western world is familiar with. Most Guatemalan residents are members of the Catholic, Fundamentalist Protestant, or Eastern Orthodox faiths, which all have traditionally upheld socially conservative attitudes. There are very few here who have the opportunity to be who they want to be, and build a life based on free choice; there are only people who have been forced to accept the hand they are dealt. There are doers, and dyers, and everyone born into this culture had best conform, or get out. This reality destroys the potential for authenticity; not only in society, but in the Church
The definition of authentic is “(in existentialist philosophy) relating to or denoting an emotionally appropriate, significant, purposive, and responsible mode of human life.” Responsible, appropriate, significant, and purposeful. It is our responsibility (especially as Christ’s-witnesses) to be authentic, real people. When I look at my walk with Christ over the years, I realize that much of what I thought was sanctification was actually a result of the pressure to conform to be a certain type of person. After spending a bit of time in Christian circles, one tends to know what to expect out of a Christian community; how they see things, the Christian phrases and tendencies. As a result, we easily create an environment that facilitates a pressure to conform, or at the very least an attitude that suggests a particular personality type is more suitable or effective for the Christian faith, while the others sit at the back, unwilling to become someone they’re not, and likewise unable to recognize that Christ wants them for who they are, the real them, not the ‘Christianized’ version of them.
Zacchaeus was a wee little man who is a perfect example of Jesus calling a real person. Zacchaeus knew that he wasn’t the type of person Jesus ‘should’ be associating with, but he still wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Of all the ‘holy’, cookie-cutter Christ followers in the crowd, Jesus looks up to Zacchaeus, the tax collector and says “Zach! Yes you! I’m staying at your house tonight.” Much to the disapproval of those around Jesus, who were trying to project themselves as someone he might like or approve of, Jesus reclines at the table with people who knew who they were, and who they were was unworthy.
There is no sense in pretending when it comes to following Christ. He already knows you, and the effort you put forward in trying to act like what a ‘Christian’ is supposed to look like is wasted time. A branch doesn’t bear fruit on it’s own. It is only useful if it is connected to the vine.
It gets tiring seeing people trying to clean themselves up and become something special without any vision. With no concept of a God with the ability to obliterate nations, choosing to be the ultimate example of grace and love towards us; an undeserving people. This story of grace is true for all people, and applies to everyone right where they are at. There is no approval process. There is only justification through faith, followed by a life filled of gratitude and pouring love out to others as it has been poured out to you. Not complicated, so stop trying! Receive grace, and give all glory to Him. Be who you are in light of Christ’s love, and the parts of you that aren’t like Him he will reveal to you.
As for me I choose authenticity. Someone who’s faith will stand when tested. Who’s mind is open, and who will not try to change himself to become worthy. That job has already been done.
Guatemala has been a ride to say the least. With one week left here, my team and I have seen the completion of a house project in Jocotenango, the foundation of a second house in Santa Maria de Jesus, a few healings, many opportunities to share the Gospel, and a very apparent growth as a team; individually and as a whole.
As we ramp up for Malaysia, please pray for stability despite the unexpected challenges that are to come. New teams, new ministries, and a new side of the planet are around the corner and with it comes excitement, and likely a bit of fear for some. I personally have felt your prayers. These three months have been incredibly foundational for the rest of my life in many ways. Thank you all!
One down, two to go. Glory to God.
