In "Beautiful Outlaw," John Eldredge introduces the concept of Trueness as an intrinsic aspect of one's identity. It's the expression of your authentic self, devoid of pretense, fear, or societal expectations. Trueness is the key to living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Trueness is similar to authenticity (that ubiquitous buzzword today), but there's a subtle difference. When we talk about authentic self, and being authentic to others we mean "be honest with others," "tell the truth," "express yourself, don't hold back," and "confess your sins to others." The trueness Jesus lived was one that believed “the most essential gift to give is yourself. When you aren’t entirely true about that, you aren’t true.” -John Eldredge in Beautiful Outlaw. God has created you, given your your unique and beautiful story, and it is a gift. Use it. As you understand this you are able to use it for God’s glory. This is the way that Jesus lived his life. May this be an example to us as we read the gospels and understand who Jesus really was as a man.
In today's world, the pursuit of authenticity often gets clouded by external pressures. Social media, friends, family, and neighbor expectations, and societal norms can lead us to portray a curated version of ourselves, emphasizing the parts we think will be well-received while hiding those we fear will be judged. Trueness, on the other hand, challenges us to resist this temptation and present ourselves, warts and all, to the world.
To embrace Trueness in our lives, we must embark on a journey of self-discovery. This journey involves introspection, self-acceptance, and the courage to let go of the fear of judgment. It means recognizing that our quirks, vulnerabilities, and imperfections are not flaws but unique aspects of our identity that make us who we are.
Trueness invites us to live life to the fullest, pursuing our passions, dreams, and desires without reservation. It encourages us to be vulnerable in our relationships, share our stories authentically, and connect with others on a deeper level.
Embracing Trueness means fully embracing ourselves, even the messy and imperfect parts. So, let us remember by living a life guided by the principle of Trueness, we can find fulfillment, make genuine connections, and truly be authentic in the purest sense of the word.