Surely everyone who has faith in God shares their faith in some way.  Some people naturally talk about their faith with others without even realizing what they are doing.  The concepts and principles of their faith are so dominate in their thinking and language that they can’t help it from seeping out.  Others map out and strategize specifically what they are going to say and do if they find themselves in a situation to share what they believe about God.  They have done their homework and have thought through various scenerios that could possibly play out in real life; now they are ready for battle, to win people over. 

But the reality is, even if you never open your mouth people are watching how your life displays your true faith.  In a sense you are a living message and people read you all the time.  A little scary, but certainly true!  And like it or not, there are people who are connecting the dots of their own “faith in God” based on what they see in you, how you live, the things you say, and the message you share, verbal or non-verbal, intentional or unintentional.  Eyes are on you; you are influencing someone, even right now. 

So maybe a good question to ask ourselves is: What is the faith message I am living? 

I believe there is a key word when it comes to sharing your faith with people, whether in word or action.  Are you ready?  Here’s the word…

genuine.

Let’s face it, people see through fake.  Seriously, can’t you?  Can’t you tell when someone is putting on a faith show?  Perhaps you have met ”Super-Christian”, the one who is ready to leap tall buildings in a single bound with their amazing faith?  Super-Christian walks around with the perfect attitude that never changes regardless of the situation; rarely sypathetic to your faith questions, and typically self-righteous with all the right answers.  Super-Christian, it’s okay to take your mask off now.  It’s time to reveal your true identity, the normal one.

People love genuiness.  You can be the worst sinner of sinners (hey, that sounds like Paul) and spill your regretful guts about how guilty you are because of the awful things you have done in your life, and people will love you.  Why? Because people love genuiness.  We love to see someone who is real and open about who they are on the inside, willing to boldly claim their own questions and struggles, all the while searching for the truth and making the neccessary changes along the way as they find out more about that truth.  We love to see redemption play out.  And, we love to show mercy. 

Please don’t get me wrong, you don’t have to have a criminal record to be genuine!  Just be you, the real you.  No masks.  No fake.  Just you.  We all have a story about why we are who we are.  Let’s own our stories.  Own your story.  Understand that God knows your story and loves you anyway.  He’s ready to use you and your story in his bigger story, the great story that equalizes all the world and brings everyone to their knees.  Allow his holiness to be good enough for you, and find peace in his amazing grace.

So, what faith message are you living? 
Is it real? 
Is it genuine? 
Yes? 

Then share it.
Live it.