R U Fake Or Just Really Mature?

There is a deep desire in our culture for authenticity. "I don't want to be a hypocrite!  I don't want to be fake!  This is a good desire.  Nothing stinks quite like a hypocrite.

But the alternative to being a hypocrite is the concept of being true to yourself.  This goes beyond just honesty about who I am and what I struggle with at times.  Many believe that in order to not be fake,  I must do what I feel or what I want.  'If I don't follow my heart and do what comes out of natural desire, then I am just being fake.  I have to be true to myself.'

There is a third option.

• Hypocrisy = saying one thing and doing another.  Pretending to have it all together when you really do not.  Hiding your true self in order to look impressive to others.
• Depravity = doing what I want without regard its morality, wisdom, or consequences.  Sinking to the level of obedience to my base desires and fleshly cravings.
• Maturity = honestly recognizing my temptations and fleshly desires, but choosing to overcome them by acting in love, wisdom, and discipline.  Choosing without pride and with transparency to discipline myself to do the right thing even when I don't feel like it.

If we are not careful, we can mistake maturity for hypocrisy.  But disciplining yourself to act according to your values and not according to your cravings is simply the habit of becoming a better person.

When its all said and done, I don't want to be true to myself.  I want to be true to God's Word.  I want to be true and aligned with my values and not with my temptations. As I attempt to develop maturity, I also want to remain aware of my personal brokenness without Christ.  We can make no place for pretending or for pride.

Authentic maturity!  This is the goal.