The Demand for Authenticity

Authenticity isn’t doing what feels right. Authenticity is doing what is right.

Psychologist Stephen Joseph wrote, “People can be committed to and passionate about lots of things, but this by itself is not enough. Authenticity is more than when someone believes in what they say or acts in a way that is consistent with their beliefs. An inauthentic person is equally able to stand up and say what they truly believe. We ought not to judge authenticity purely by the passion a person has for what they say. The more important part of the authenticity question is to look at the character of the person. What’s behind what they say?”

Therefore, I believe it can be said that authenticity is not based upon what feels right in a moment, but instead, what is right in all moments. It’s the pursuit of truth, shaped into core values, demonstrated in the consistent track record of one’s character.

But because truth is primarily an inside job, the moment we begin to trick ourselves is the exact moment our ability to live an authentic life within and without vanishes.

Have a look at what the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 51, verse six: “Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.”

What’s the point? Willingness to receive truth produces the ability to gain wisdom through experience that shapes our paradigm about ourselves, others, and our experiences, which then enables us to be consistent in character and live an authentic life from the inside out.