Embracing Authenticity
Living True to Yourself in a World of Highlight Reels
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
– Psalm 139:14
In recent years, studies have shown that people in their 30s and 40s are increasingly struggling with the pressure to present a curated, “perfect” version of themselves. Whether it’s in the workplace, among friends, or on social media, there’s a constant temptation to measure our worth based on others’ opinions or the image we project. This generation, navigating both personal growth and social pressures, is especially prone to feeling like they have to maintain a perfect persona.
I know this struggle firsthand. As a teenager, living in a world without social media or cell phones, I still felt the weight of trying to be perfect. It wasn’t so much about comparing myself to others—it was more about creating a persona that always had it together. Internally, I struggled to be okay with anything that was “average.” If I wasn’t perfect, I felt like I was failing.
It wasn’t until I was out of college and starting my career that God began teaching me what it looked like to live authentically. Over time, I realized I didn’t have to be perfect to be loved by God. I didn’t have to hide my imperfections or pretend to be someone I wasn’t. God made me just as I am—warts and all—and that was okay. In fact, it was better to be authentic.
I still go back to Psalm 139 when I need reminding that I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God. It’s a truth that has anchored my understanding of my own worth, and it’s a truth I lean on as I walk through life.
The Pressure of Perfection and Comparison
In today’s world, the pressure to present a curated, perfect life has only grown. Society constantly tells us that our worth is determined by what others think, and that input is always in our faces—especially through social media. We scroll through the highlight reels of other people’s lives, seeing only their best moments, and we naturally fall into the trap of comparison.
But comparison is a game we cannot win. No matter how much we strive, there will always be someone who seems to have it all together. And if we base our worth on others’ input, we will always be stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. That’s not the way God designed us.
In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul warns us about comparing ourselves to others: “When they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” The reality is that when we look around and compare ourselves to others, we miss the beautiful truth that God has made each of us uniquely.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul goes on to say that “the body is not made up of one part but of many.” Each of us has a valuable role in God’s kingdom. When we try to be someone we’re not, we lose the very thing that gives us value. Our uniqueness, our authenticity, is where our true value lies.
Embracing Authenticity in Every Season
As we grow older, it’s natural for our lives to shift. Our roles change, our priorities shift, and we can sometimes feel like we’re losing the person we once were. But that’s not the right way to look at it. Yes, we change. But we also grow wiser, and more experienced. We learn more about who we are and how we can contribute.
It’s at this stage in life—when we’ve lived through various seasons and challenges—that it becomes imperative to be clear about who we are. God has called us to live authentically, no matter our age or stage in life. We still have value to offer, and that value isn’t diminished by the passage of time. In fact, as we live authentically, we become guides and mentors to those who are walking behind us, just as others mentored us.
Practical Steps for Authentic Living
So, how do we live authentically in a world that constantly pressures us to be something we’re not? Here are a few practical steps:
Prioritize Relationships and Community: The people we surround ourselves with shape our growth. Build relationships with others who value authenticity. When we’re in community with people who are also living authentically, it brings joy, peace, and accountability.
Tell Yourself the Truth About Social Media: Social media can be a place of connection, but it can also fuel comparison. Determine to be genuine on all platforms. Share your real life, but also remember that there is wisdom in guarding your privacy. Some things are meant to be kept between you and God, and that’s okay.
Saturate Yourself in the Truths of God: The world’s standards of success and value will always shift, but God’s truth remains constant. Meditate on Scripture daily to remind yourself of who you truly are in Christ. Let His Word anchor you in your identity, regardless of what’s happening around you.
Live from Your Identity in Christ: Embrace who God made you to be—flaws and all. Your worth isn’t defined by achievements, status, or comparison to others. It’s defined by your relationship with Him.
Teaching Authenticity to Our Children
As we embrace authenticity for ourselves, it’s also vital that we teach our children to do the same. In a world that pressures them to conform, our children need to learn that their worth doesn’t come from perfection or comparison. They need to know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that God’s love for them is not dependent on how they measure up to anyone else.
By living authentically ourselves, we set an example for them. We show them that it’s okay to embrace who God made them to be, and that true happiness comes from living in alignment with His truth, not the world’s standards.
Thought-Provoking Questions:
What parts of your life do you need to embrace more authentically, and where can you allow God’s truth to redefine your worth?
How do you feel social media impacts your self-perception? What changes can you make to use it more authentically and intentionally?
In what areas of your life do you feel God calling you to step into greater authenticity and offer your unique gifts to others?
