(Editor’s note: Shirley Dubeau is the wife of Pastor Timothy Dubeau, and serves with him in Salem, Connecticut. She is a mother of two grown children, and grandmother of eight grandkids along with one great-grandchild. She graduated from Gordon College with a BA in Biblical & Theological Studies. She currently serves on the CCCC Women’s Ministry Committee.)
Authentic Living
by Shirley Dubeau
The word authentic is often bandied about in women’s circles. We are encouraged to live out our roles and livelihoods in authentic ways; but we need to define what authentic means in our faith context.
Authenticity is born when we view life through the lens of faith in Christ, and as that faith moves us from comfortable places into areas that challenge. Daily facing the subtle choices between better and best can cause anxiety or show trust.
Over this past year I was delightfully immersed in the Heidelberg Catechism (HC) using M. Craig Barnes’ book Body & Soul, Reclaiming the Heidelberg Catechism. Barnes’ commentary provides a springboard into the HC, but the actual catechism text is the bounty printed at the end of the book.
The HC is a clear, biblical exposition in question and answer format covering our need for salvation, the Apostle’s Creed, the aims of the Ten Commandments and a profound treatment of the Lord’s Prayer. In reading through the 129 questions and delving into the scripture undergirding each answer I was bowled over by the clarity and directness of this over-400-year-old document and how it speaks to the seemingly modern issue of authenticity.
Here are just a few thoughts about authentic living gleaned from the scriptures and HC in hopes that they might whet your appetite to explore the HC for your personal devotions, to reflect upon it when you confront better or best choices and to look for biblical answers to faith questions.
Questions (Q) 1-21 begin by answering basic questions about authentic living. A key answer is that all who seek to live authentically understand our need for a divine Savior. This basic need forms how we look at life and how we make decisions. Authentic living requires entering into a holy conversation with God and the HC provides a wonderful entrance into that dialog.
Living a Christian life with authenticity can mean riding the see-saw of anxiety and assurance. When we’re on the anxiety side, we learn from Q26, to believe God cares about and for us. We can look to God for mercy and relief based upon His love and not our ability to perform.
Q42 answers that we become fit for God because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Our new life begins now! Death is overcome, therefore those living authentically should no longer fear death. We can see physical death as the end of sinning here on earth. This answer helps with those better/best choices mentioned because new life, clothed with love, asks of all choices: Does this help? Will it encourage? Does it build up?
Q45’s answer tells us that authentic living imitates Jesus. Authentic life has power to be grace-full toward others (Q46). Authentic life lives in the knowledge that Jesus is with me (Q47) so we can boldly say “Yes!” to God (Q53).
What’s Q54’s answer to where we live and grow in this authentic life? It’s in the church! From there we go out as members of The Church, in unity with others, with the purpose of glorifying God. We boldly proclaim, live out and love out the gospel in a world looking for authenticity.
Authentic living is whole as well as holy. It’s adventurous, expectant living; it’s living with courage while trusting God for provision of all, and while taking pleasure in things that please God.
Living a whole and holy life as an authentic Christ-follower is challenging! So to help you with that challenge, please take another look at the Heidelberg Confession! And God bless you as you live with biblical authenticity!
