A couple of decades ago, there was a commercial for Coca-Cola that claimed – “It’s the real thing.” If this is before your time, just google it. There was another trend during those years. Basically, how to be real. I also recall another phrase – “It’s the real deal.” Incidentally, that phrase inspired marketing strategies, shareable images, at least one podcast, creative pictures, and use in daily conversation.

Essentially, it means – “the real thing, genuine, not fake, not imitation, not a copy.”

How To Be Real

There’s a lot going on today. In your daily life. In our country. And of course, around the world. And “what’s going on” affects everyone. Some of it is concerning. In fact, some folks struggle with fear because of everything that’s “going on.” Interestingly, because of this very condition and upheaval, you have an opportunity.

You can be real! Yes – the real deal. The real you. But what does that mean, exactly? Let’s explore.

Be Real With Weaknesses and Limitations

We could start with strengths, but – honestly – to be real, we should start with weaknesses and limitations. Afterall, everyone has them.

Sooner or later, a person comes face to face with how limited and weak they are. If a person doesn’t face these realities and learn to manage them, they may –

• Live in a fantasy world.
• Give in to deceptive compromises to make life look as real as possible.
• Hopefully, not become hardened.

 

Sadly, none of those options promote healthy living.

The healthiest people are aware of their weaknesses and limitations. This awareness accomplishes several critical action points.

1. Keeps you humble – an excellent check against pride.
2. Forces you to deal with “real deal” scenarios that fill your life.
3. Motivates you to work at your life. Improve your weaknesses. Expand your limitations.
4. Helps you identify with others. Afterall, everyone has weaknesses and limitations.
5. Importantly, awareness of these action points launches your continued quest on how to be real.

 

So, spend time with your weaknesses and limitations. But not too much time.

• For starters, identify them.
• Then, pray over them.
• Additionally, develop a plan to grow beyond your weaknesses and limitations.

 

Thankfully, healthy people are in touch with those five critical action points that flow from knowing their weaknesses and limitations.

Real people

We just explored what healthy people do in their weaknesses and limitations. Actually, in that way, healthy people simply are “the real deal.”

Interestingly, specific traits mark real people. In fact, you can spot them. Incidentally, the character traits they practice give them confidence. Remarkably, their practiced character opens opportunities to make a difference in the world.

Characteristics real people possess include –

• Authenticity.
• Honesty.
• Commitment.
• Kindness.
• Sincerity.
• Awareness of their weaknesses and limitations.
  • They admit them.
  • Learn to manage them.
  • Strategically, navigate through or around them.
  • Grow through them.
  • Co-exist with them in healthy ways.
  • Thoughtfully apply coping options.
  • Sincerely engage them with eagerness to grow.

 

What a helpful list! All these are great traits to possess and pass on to others.

Do You Know How To Be Real?

Most people would say – “I’m working on it!”

But life gets complicated. Consequently, the test is – practicing characteristics of real people in all the unexpected scenarios that develop. In order to manage your weaknesses and limitations, start by asking good questions:

• Have you identified your weaknesses and limitations?
• Have you admitted them?
• Do you manage them with a good plan?
• Do you remind yourself it’s normal to have weaknesses and limitations?
• Further, are you one of the healthy, real people that addresses them?
• What will you do to keep your weaknesses and limitations from defining you?

 

Here’s a helpful Scripture. “When I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:10)

Paul faced his weaknesses and limitations by turning to Jesus to learn. In other words, that’s where your strength is – in Christ.

Oddly, when Paul – 1. chose to believe Jesus and 2. “got real” about his limitations and weaknesses, he discovered the secret of strength in weakness.

Practically speaking, how does a person find strength in weaknesses and limitations?

Practical Options

Following Jesus does not exempt you from weaknesses and limitations. However, you must manage them. In fact, by regularly engaging these action points, you build strength and confidence into your life.

1. Turn To Jesus

Actually, this is your first, and best step to address weaknesses and limitations. Turn to Jesus. Simply admit you need His help. Jesus is “for” you! Plus, He will train you and give you power.

Incidentally, He’s given you promises and helpful commands. Subsequently, if you claim these promises and obey His commands, you’ll find new strength and confidence rising in your life.

So, if you turn to Jesus in your weaknesses and limitations, you find new strength and confidence to live successfully.

2. Earnest Prayer

Second, you need earnest prayer. Approach God with confidence (Heb. 4:16). Incidentally, He’s “the real Deal” – so be real with Him. Tell Him the truth about yourself. Include what you need help with. In fact, admit you can’t do life without Him.

This is an intimate relationship with the Living God. Also, it’s both undeserved and an incredible privilege.

3. Ask God To Help You

Third, ask God to help you. This is part of prayer – but more.

Ask specifically for resources like – wisdom, creative ideas, guidance, perseverance, resolve, power, acceptance, ability to forgive, healing, a change of heart, insight, etc.

Jn. 14:13 says, “Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Invite God – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything You find in me that makes You sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Ps. 139:23-24)

God already knows everything about you. Simultaneously, God wants to show you His –

• Heart.
• Mind.
• Love for you.
• Power to help you.

 

Basically, you can confidently ask God to help you because God is “for” you.

4. Trust And Obey With Resolve

Essentially, resolve means to cling to whatever lasts forever. This is how you trust and obey God. Truly, it’s rare! Still, when you practice resolve to do whatever good needs to be done, you also practice Christ’s character.

How do you get resolve?

1. Tell God you need Christ’s resolve.
2. Next, invest your energy to trust and obey Him – no matter what.
3. Finally, rest in God even as an unfinished person.
4. Keep doing this and never stop.
5. This turns into resolve.

 

Resolve brings results –

• Doing good in this world.
• Loving God with your whole heart. “If you love Me, you will obey Me.” (Jn. 14:15)
• Loving others. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt. 22:39)

 

So, the action point – resolve to trust and obey God – no matter what!

5. Praise God Ahead Of His Answers

Finally, praise God ahead of His answers. What a privilege to approach God – anytime – in His perfect holiness.

So, with reverence, respect, and worship, approach God. Simultaneously, praise Him sincerely. Additionally, thank Him for His promises.

Interestingly, praising God is a deliberate choice – not a feeling. Uniquely, it’s a desire to please God and a statement that you believe Him. Plus, it provides opportunity to practice Christ’s character. Eventually, you notice joy in your heart as you follow the “Man of Joy.”

Scripture says, God inhabits the praises of His people. Remarkably – He lives in your praises! (Psalm 22:3) “You make Your home on the praises of Israel.” (VOICE)

6. Wait For His Answer

Many times you must wait for His answer. During that wait, be faithful to God who is unfailingly faithful to you. Let your testimony be: “I trust Him through it all – my best decision ever.”

Jesus is praying for you. Rom. 8:26 says, “. . . We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit, Himself, intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Remind yourself of this. Plus, Jesus said, “I will never leave or forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5)

Jesus wants you to be the person He created. So, to be real – in Christ – be yourself!

Your Strengths

As you wrap your arms around your weaknesses and limitations, they will only add to strengths you possess. Most people are aware of their strengths. This includes skill sets, abilities, passions, etc.

Amazingly, you add another strength by learning how to manage your weaknesses and limitations.

Application Thoughts And Questions

1. Do you know how to be real?
2. Are you aware of your weaknesses and limitations?
3. What is your plan to manage these?
4. Do you ask God to help you be authentic?
5. Are you resolved to trust and obey?
6. Do you praise Him ahead of His answers?
7. Are you willing to wait for His answers?

 

* Portions of this content come from our book – It’s Your Move – a devotional book that takes you through Romans and powerfully challenges you to live with perspective and purpose. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

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