Are You Being a REAL Person?

Being a real person is best for everyone, but it is often ignored in much self-help material. Look at the self-help section of a bookstore. You will find books promoting the "Actor" mistake. You will find authors stating, “If you want to win their heart, you need to be someone they want. So if they like football, but you don’t, it’s time to become a football fan.”

An Actor

So, are you an Actor, wearing a mask, not being real? Are you telling others what you think they want to hear?  Are you less interested in truth than you are in your image or the way people see you?

Being a real person takes much less energy. You will have the energy for better things, such as self-control, perseverance, and serving others. This can be tough at first because being real includes openness and vulnerability. People will now see both your strengths and weaknesses. The upside is that they can now utilize your strengths, help in your weaknesses, and participate in growing a healthy relationship with you.

Living God’s Way

Being a real person aligns with God's desire for all relationships.

Ephesians 4:15— But, speaking the truth in love, [we] may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.

Hebrews 3:13—But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Perhaps the Actor, or wearing a mask, is an accurate description of your life or certain aspects of it. However, if you do not want to be an Actor, you can live differently. Some simple questions will help:

• What truth am I not willing to seek or share?
• Am I being honest with myself and others?
• Am I wearing a mask?

Your objective answers to those questions provide you with an opportunity for change. Please be aware that the change will not occur without the power of the Holy Spirit within you. You are responsible for making the decision, and He is faithful to provide the power to fulfill the decision.