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3 reasons you should not be your “authentic self”

3 reasons you should not be your “authentic self”

Last updated on: October 29, 2024 at 4:45 am by Brad Vaughn

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3 reasons you should not be your “authentic self” 2024-08-25T15:48:53-07:00 Brad Vaughn

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The call to be our “authentic self” is a popular mantra in today’s world, where authenticity is often equated with self-fulfillment and living without pretense. But, as Christians, is this truly the path we should take? While there’s value in honesty and integrity, the concept of always being “authentic” can be misleading.

Here are three reasons why you should think twice before embracing your so-called “authentic self.”

1. Your Authentic Self Might Suck

Let’s be real: we all have aspects of ourselves that are far from ideal. The Bible makes it clear that we’re all sinners (Romans 3:23). Left unchecked, our “authentic” desires can lead us down paths of selfishness, pride, and indulgence. Galatians 5:19-21 warns of the “works of the flesh,” including envy, strife, and fits of anger. If your authentic self leans toward these traits, it’s not something to embrace but to crucify (Galatians 5:24).

In a world that prioritizes self-expression over self-examination, it’s easy to use “authenticity” as an excuse for our flaws. But Scripture calls us to transformation, not just expression. Ephesians 4:22-24 speaks of putting off our “old self,” which is corrupted by deceitful desires, and putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

This new self isn’t always what feels most authentic, but it’s what aligns with who God calls us to be.

2. Your “Self” Is Not Static or Fully Mature

The idea that you can be your “authentic self” presupposes that your identity is fully formed and ready to be lived out. But that’s far from true. Scripture teaches that our identity is a work in progress. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God, who began a good work in us, is still bringing it to completion.

In other words, who you are now is not who you are ultimately meant to be.

Moreover, the Bible speaks of the importance of growth and maturity (Ephesians 4:13-15). It’s easy to settle into the comfort of our current state, but authenticity that refuses to acknowledge the need for change and growth isn’t genuine—it’s stagnation.

True authenticity involves recognizing our weaknesses and allowing God to shape us into Christ’s image (Romans 8:29). If we cling too tightly to our current “authentic self,” we resist the sanctifying work God wants to do in us.

3. Authenticity Should Not Be Defined in Contrast to Others

In our culture, authenticity is often tied to individuality—being true to yourself often means distinguishing yourself from others. But this mindset can breed isolation and a sense of superiority.

If your identity is built on how different you are from others, you’re more focused on self-perception than community. This kind of authenticity is inherently divisive.

The Bible paints a different picture of identity. As Christians, our identity is rooted not in how distinct we are from others but in our unity with Christ and His body. Galatians 3:28 tells us that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Him. The pursuit of “authenticity” that pits us against others—whether in attitude, lifestyle, or belief— runs counter to this biblical principle of unity.

Moreover, Paul urges us in Philippians 2:3-4 to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” The emphasis here is not on how true you can be to yourself but on how you can serve and love others. Authenticity that isolates or elevates the self over others is a hollow version of the biblical call to genuine living.

Conclusion

The cultural pursuit of authenticity, when unexamined, can lead to a self-centered, immature, and divisive way of life. While there’s a kernel of truth in wanting to live honestly and without hypocrisy, the Christian journey isn’t about simply being who we are right now—it’s about becoming who God intends us to be.

True authenticity in the Christian life is about aligning our lives more closely with Christ, even when it means setting aside parts of our current self. It’s not about being true to who we are today, but about faithfully growing into who we are meant to be in Christ.

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