The Impact of Authenticity

Blog by Gem Fadling

I want what Jim has.

That was the phrase 17-year-old Alan uttered as he made one of his first moves into the Christian life.

I have always loved hearing Alan share about the first time he went forward in a church to receive Christ. I’ve heard this story multiple times, and I’m always struck by how simple and heartfelt Alan’s desire was. We’ll talk more about this today…

Notice that a person’s name was attached to Alan’s desire: Jim.

Jim was Alan’s boss at the Magic Tunnel Car Wash, and he had a vibrant relationship with Jesus. So much so that it punctured through Alan’s rough-and-tumble teenage heart. At 17, Alan was going through a very low point in his life. To say that he was wayward would not be far off the mark. Teenage angst mixed with alcohol and depression colored his days.

But Jim stood out to Alan. Jim was buoyant. He loved people and he loved his life. He cared for Alan, his employee, with a servant heart.

According to Alan, Jim was there to bless people. And it had nothing to do with Jim communicating some compelling message that Alan was convinced by. It was the quality of Jim’s life. He was kind and joyful, and Alan wanted to be like that.

That’s a big part of the gospel, isn’t it? God’s life shining through our life—and not by words or methods. It was the quality of Jim’s life that impressed Alan. It was his way.

Obviously, you don’t have to be joyful and buoyant all the time. But you can be you. And you can extend the goodness of you to others. But not in an under duress, you’ve got to be perfect, kind of way. No.

Real. Humble. Offered.

My way must match my words. Jim’s way was so compelling that it was all Alan could think of when someone asked him, “Why did you come forward?”

Dallas Willard once said, “All the church needs to fulfill Christ’s purpose on earth is the quality of life he makes real in the life of his disciples.” I’ve shared this quote before, and I’m positive I will share it again in the future. That’s because I think Dallas was really onto something here.

The quality of our lives matters a great deal. This is one of the heartbeats of Unhurried Living. It is of vital importance that we each make time and space to engage the process of our own life as a disciple (an apprenticed one).

It is from this central relationship with Jesus that our influence emerges and overflows. This process cannot be underestimated. Our formation matters.

A great question to ask here is, Do you desire to rely on Jesus as your model as you learn to love and serve others with gladness and singleness of heart?

If you answer yes, then you are on a journey of transformation. And your way will be changed over time. You will become more like Jesus. This is what Alan saw in Jim: the likeness of Jesus—joyful, servant-hearted, and ready to bless.

Spiritual formation isn’t really anything mysterious. It is cooperating with the transforming process initiated by a loving God.

This happens in many different ways—through Scripture, spiritual practices, spiritual direction, and teaching. We are also being formed by conversations, music, art, and nature. God reveals himself in all kinds of ways. Are you open?

Reflection

Let’s rein all this back to where we began, with Alan uttering a simple phrase: I want what Jim has.

First, is there someone in your life who models the ways of Jesus for you? Spend some time thinking or journaling about that person: 

• What about them is compelling?
• How did they get where they are? (i.e., their trials and triumphs)
• How might you share with them how they have impacted you?

Second, how is your way influencing others? Spend some time thinking or journaling about this:

•  Does your life recommend your message?
• How did you get where you are? (Reflect on your process.)
• What adjustments might you make to increase the importance of your way?

Blessings to you as you consider your impact on those around you.

I want what Jim has.

That was the phrase 17-year-old Alan uttered as he made one of his first moves into the Christian life.

I (Gem) have always loved hearing Alan share about the first time he went forward in a church to receive Christ. I’ve heard this story multiple times, and I’m always struck by how simple and heartfelt Alan’s desire was. We’ll talk more about this today…

Notice that a person’s name was attached to Alan’s desire: Jim.

Jim was Alan’s boss at the Magic Tunnel Car Wash, and he had a vibrant relationship with Jesus. So much so that it punctured through Alan’s rough-and-tumble teenage heart. At 17, Alan was going through a very low point in his life. To say that he was wayward would not be far off the mark. Teenage angst mixed with alcohol and depression colored his days.

But Jim stood out to Alan. Jim was buoyant. He loved people and he loved his life. He cared for Alan, his employee, with a servant heart.

According to Alan, Jim was there to bless people. And it had nothing to do with Jim communicating some compelling message that Alan was convinced by. It was the quality of Jim’s life. He was kind and joyful, and Alan wanted to be like that.

That’s a big part of the gospel, isn’t it? God’s life shining through our life—and not by words or methods. It was the quality of Jim’s life that impressed Alan. It was his way.

Obviously, you don’t have to be joyful and buoyant all the time. But you can be you. And you can extend the goodness of you to others. But not in an under duress, you’ve got to be perfect, kind of way. No.

Real. Humble. Offered.

My way must match my words. Jim’s way was so compelling that it was all Alan could think of when someone asked him, “Why did you come forward?”

Dallas Willard once said, “All the church needs to fulfill Christ’s purpose on earth is the quality of life he makes real in the life of his disciples.” I’ve shared this quote before, and I’m positive I will share it again in the future. That’s because I think Dallas was really onto something here.

The quality of our lives matters a great deal. This is one of the heartbeats of Unhurried Living. It is of vital importance that we each make time and space to engage the process of our own life as a disciple (an apprenticed one).

It is from this central relationship with Jesus that our influence emerges and overflows. This process cannot be underestimated. Our formation matters.

A great question to ask here is, Do you desire to rely on Jesus as your model as you learn to love and serve others with gladness and singleness of heart?

If you answer yes, then you are on a journey of transformation. And your way will be changed over time. You will become more like Jesus. This is what Alan saw in Jim: the likeness of Jesus—joyful, servant-hearted, and ready to bless.

Spiritual formation isn’t really anything mysterious. It is cooperating with the transforming process initiated by a loving God.

This happens in many different ways—through Scripture, spiritual practices, spiritual direction, and teaching. We are also being formed by conversations, music, art, and nature. God reveals himself in all kinds of ways. Are you open?

Reflection

Let’s rein all this back to where we began, with Alan uttering a simple phrase: I want what Jim has.

First, is there someone in your life who models the ways of Jesus for you? Spend some time thinking or journaling about that person:

• What about them is compelling?
• How did they get where they are? (i.e., their trials and triumphs)
• How might you share with them how they have impacted you?

Second, how is your way influencing others? Spend some time thinking or journaling about this:

• Does your life recommend your message?
• How did you get where you are? (Reflect on your process.)
• What adjustments might you make to increase the importance of your way?

Blessings to you as you consider your impact on those around you.