“When we are able to not only accept our unique identities but highlight and showcase them for God’s glory, we automatically become a more effective tool for God to use, essentially we become a better witness.”

The audacity of authenticity is simply put, having the courage to be uniquely you, in God. One of the enemies tactics is to try to get us as believers to think that God intended for Christianity to be cookie cutter, dull, boring and restrictive. Not so! Romans 12:6-7 (ESV) says "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching." God gave each of us a unique set of characteristics, gifts and personality traits and He wants and needs to use them to advance His mission.

In coming into full understanding of how we are to use our uniqueness to serve the Kingdom, we must also realize that we do not have "carte blanche" to do whatever we want to do, however we want to do it. The bible outlines very specifically how we are live and behave as believers. However, as we mature and as our relationship with Christ grows and we begin to communicate with Holy Spirit on a regular, everyday, every situation basis, we will be guided in how our identity should shape our walk as a believer. See, when you are in constant communication the Holy Spirit, you never have to worry about being out of pocket! He will direct you and check you, when necessary even in what may seem like the small things, "Don’t do that", "Don’t go there", "Don’t say that". But, if we are not careful and lose that consistent communication, our flesh can override our spirit and take control of those unique characteristics, gifts and personality traits.

God desires to use the individual identities He gave us to not only be an asset to the body of Christ but to also help us live a more abundant life. It seems as though the world has such a better grasp on this concept however. Many singers, athletes and entertainers have no qualms about telling you who they are and what they think about who they are. Often making statements like "I’m the greatest of all time", "I’m the best to ever do it", "I’m flawless", "I slay". But, for some reason Christians often struggle with finding the courage and audacity to walk confidently in who God created them to be.

When we are able to not only accept our unique identities but highlight and showcase them for God’s glory, we automatically become a more effective tool for God to use, essentially we become a better witness. People become more drawn to us because the recognize the authenticity and are drawn to it. They want to be associated with the light that is shining so brightly from the inside, many times not even aware of what is attracting them to us. Psalm 137:14 (KJV) states it plainly "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

You are marvellous because you are His work! Accept it, walk in it and shine.

Source: New feed