The One Where We Are Authentic.

when you hear the words "genuine" and "authentic" what do you think about? whats the first this that comes to your mind? what are your first thoughts? to me when i hear those words, my first thoughts are "Christ" and "What i strive to be daily." today i was reminded of the story of timothy and paul. paul saw Timothy fit, out of everyone he could've chosen to write not ONE but TWO letters to! he saw Timothy as a reciprocator to the gospel and it is truly a testimony i am never upset about hearing over and over again.

1 Timothy 1:2

"2 To Timothy my true son in the faith:Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord."

"To Timothy, my true son." that right there. those words. Timothy was a true, genuine, loyal son. he was timid, but he was still real and true. no, imagine if we were as genuine and as authentic as timothy? Paul saw him fit.

Philippians 2:20-22

"20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel."

this right here shows us that Timothy wasn't just looking out for himself, but for the good of others, for the good of Christ. Timothy was genuine, he was the real deal.

`~Are you the real deal when it comes to your love and faith?

well, are you? it's a pretty hard core question. if we are able to say yes, stop and praise him right now. we are one step closer to being timothy. the simple fact that he was a true son, learning from the best,(Paul) to be like the better,(Christ) is moving.

Matthew 7:15-17

"15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit."

Okay, wow. these verses literally put "you rep what you sow" into actin and into perspective. if you produce or exude good fruit, guess what? you will bear good fruit! likewise with bad fruit. in being severely and intentionally genuine, you are producing good fruit and that is attractive.

~Something about being the real deal makes people attracted to you.

"A kingdom divided among itself can not stand." the lack of genuineness and authenticity is flimsy and your kingdom will fall. be authentic, be genuine, bear fruit, GOOD FRUIT.

~Be true to yourselves, your relationship, and your calling.

Be the real deal. we need to be true people in our purpose. no more being plastic when we have the ability to be hardware! ...okay, that was lame, but seriously! whatever gets the point across AMIRIGHT?

2 Timothy 1:13-14

"15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit."

Paul knew what he was, what he was about, and where he was going. now, you are far from perfect, by all means, but you are more than conquerors, you are the real deal!

this testimony of Timothy is a reminder to me every day, be authentic, be genuine, be different.

Stay blessed, YOU are his beloved.