Authentic

Although generally shy, male cardinals are unable to hide their brilliant color which marks their identity. However, who we are as humans is more about our core character than physical appearance or titles. Traits of honesty, reliability, caring, and compassion vouch for one’s genuineness, and sincerity is necessary for intimate relationships. Warren Buffet is quoted as saying that although confidence and initiative are important for success, the most important characteristic is integrity.

The Psalmist raised the importance of integrity in matters of faith when he asked an important question: “O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?” He immediately framed an answer: “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change…” (Psalm 15:1-5) He repeats a similar question and answer in Psalm 24 verses 3 to 5.

Hypocrisy is devastating. It empties faith of meaning. Christ has shown us what genuine faith looks like. One cannot think of him without acknowledging his remarkable integrity. He lived and died sacrificially, held no self centered ulterior motives, and was unwaveringly persistent in trusting and obeying his Heavenly Father. When he faced adversity, he endured and did not despair. His anger was righteous. Tempted, he did not fall but remained steady in confidence and purpose. He was powerful and performed the miraculous but remained humble and rejected status seeking. He was intelligent and logical but not deceitful or manipulative. He was uncompromising, loyal, and protective but not judgmental. His motives were pure. He was merciful, forgiving, and not vengeful. He spoke truth frankly but with a loving heart and good purpose. His love was deep and radical. He was bruised, cursed, and humiliated for us but accused no one. He personified divine truth and grace.

Christ is the real deal. His integrity is impeccable. Nobody measures up to his perfection. We all live with broken, fallible natures unable to self generate anything close to his perfect living and love. Realizing that fact is freeing because it moves us away from the futility of legalistic attempts at self righteousness, forces us to recognize our universal need for redemptive grace, and points us to the perfection and righteousness of Christ who is God’s perfect solution for our dilemma. He is the righteous one who showed us righteousness and died to give us righteousness. There is no other path to salvation. There is no human power, intellect, ideology or self effort that can forgive, redeem or reconcile us with God apart from trusting Christ, who is the authentic manifestation of God and His saving love.

If we are to be authentic God images, we must believe and walk as Christ did – in God’s grace and with His love and mercy.