a-'then'tik:
- of undisputed origin, genuine;
- made or done in the original way, or in a way that faithfully resembles an original;
- based on facts; accurate or reliable; relating to or denoting an emotionally appropriate, significant, purposive, and responsible mode of human life.
Everywhere you go these days people are on this quest for authenticity. But what does it really mean to be authentic? Do you ever wonder if being 'authentic' sometimes just becomes an excuse? Like "This is just who I am - deal with it." That's certainly not all bad. Too often we can put the burden of our expectations on each other. We grow up with messages like, if only you were... ...fill in the blank.
But what if our quest for authenticity is really an expression of our deep, heartfelt yearning to be the best that we can be?
At Pacific Church Vancouver, our quest for authenticity is found in Jesus' invitation to experience life the way it was created to be. At one time Jesus said these words, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:28 - 30 The Message Translation).
Jesus' invitation is so different from how I naturally understand religion as trying to improve myself to be 'good enough'. Instead Jesus invites us to experience this incredible journey of following him, and through following, be transformed into the person that we truly long to be.
At Pacific we invite you to join us on this journey, this quest, for the 'authentic', as together we follow Jesus - the One who loves us for who we are, and who promises to change us into the best that we can be.
