My wife and I took our two daughters to the Metamora Canal Days Festival during the Fall time a few years ago. This is a huge celebration in the history of horse-drawn canal boats, which fueled the Southeastern Indiana economy until its displacement by the railroad. During the festival we took a boat ride down the canal. Along the route we passed the Duck Creek Aqueduct, a covered bridge that carries the canal 16 feet over Duck Creek. It is believed to be the only structure of its kind in the nation. When we reached the other side there was a large group of ducks walking around the bank. Among all these ducks was one lonely goose strolling along with them. The tour guide pointed out the goose and told us that for years this bird had been following around the ducks wherever they go. He also went on to tell us that the goose had started to walk like a duck and take on duck-like mannerisms. As we watched this confused goose we realized it actually thought it was a duck and even tried to look like one. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to be a duck it still didn’t change the fact that he was a goose.

Who you are will determine what you do. Genuineness starts in the heart. It’s an inside job that creates an outward impact. Over time a person’s heart will be known and shown. People will see you not just by what you do, but by who you are as well. When who you are and what you do line up there is an immediate platform to influence others. The greatest influence a person can have on others comes through who they are. When a person’s talk and their walk line up there is a genuine connection. It is when a person’s talk and walk do not line up that tension is created.

Our influence as followers of Christ is determined by our genuine ability to be real. We cannot walk around claiming to be one thing but acting like another. Just because the goose we saw tried to act like a duck, it didn’t make him one. The more genuine you and I are, the more we will make an impact.

Here are some ways to become genuine…

1. Be Honest

Instead of trying to put on a front of having it all together, it is ok to be honest with yourself and others. We do not need to be negative in our talk, but we do need to be honest. Honesty build trust and rapport with others. Being genuine requires a great deal of honesty in the way you present yourself. Being honest is about being humble. Do not let pride and arrogance stand in the way of being real with people. We are all on a journey and are trying to navigate through life together, don’t try to be a know-it-all.

Proverbs 16:28

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

2. Be Human

Many people try to be superheroes and come across as stars. In order to be genuine you have to ground yourself in reality. We are all striving to be better, but not better than others. When we try and become better than everyone else our motives are rooted in pride. Being human is about understanding that we are nothing outside of Christ. He is the one who makes us and shapes us into His image.

John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

3. Be Hot

Revelation 3:15

15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

The Bible clearly says do not be wish-washy in your approach in life. Be hot for Christ, don’t be cold and brittle. Be decisive and purposeful in your life and you won’t have to forget who or what you are tying to be. Make a decision now that you will not become lukewarm in your spirituality. Always be the person God wants you to be and you will find fulfillment. You can become genuine when you know who you are.