How to Be Real In a World That Embraces All Things False

We have been bamboozled into believing that fake is better. We seem to have no reservations about pretending to be someone or something we’re not. Let’s face it, the society we live in today hardly encourages us to embrace our true self and be genuine. There are so many options available for us to alter our image and change who we are in the blink of an eye, that it’s easy to forget how to be real. In a world long gone, if people discovered you to be a phony, you were frowned upon and ostracized. And for most of us, the only things false we had access to wearing, were knockoff fur coats, press-on nails and hair extensions/wigs or toupee.

False Appearance
Presently, in addition to false fur, nails and hair, there are also false eyelashes as well as false breast and booty in a box. And if you don’t want to be bothered with the hassle of falsies or rubber-rears, then permanent implants are available. If we choose to, we can drastically change the physical appearance God made us with, by going under a surgeon’s knife. We can choose from a wide assortment of strategies to alter how we look. There are implants, liposuction, tummy tuck, Botox, plus so much more.

False People
More cultural icons, celebrities, and political leaders are being caught in lies. They pretend to be someone they’re not or make promises they cannot keep. They’re like actors on a stage grappling for attention while deceiving the mass. Then there are the real actors pretending to be real on reality TV shows. They share false information, and exaggerate the truth for ratings. Even those we know and trust have no problem padding the truth with wads of lies if it means getting what they want.

Here’s How to Be Real
So, in a world of all things false, how can we remain genuine?

First, we have to accept that God made us fearfully and wonderfully—because that is the truth (Psalm 139:13-14).

Secondly, being real requires speaking the truth. It’s as simple as that. “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs12:22). We have to put away falsehood so we can edify our neighbors (Ephesians 4:25).

Lastly, remember, because everyone is doing it, doesn’t mean its right. Be the salmon swimming upstream. Be the trend-setter. It’s okay to enhance our beauty, but let’s be careful not to overcompensate. Because our society practice sharing myths and fables, doesn’t mean we have to be a part of it.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

How are you choosing to be real in a world of fakes?