On occasion, I like to answer Day One prompts that JetPack and WordPress entice bloggers with daily. In part, because they are fun and also because they can give me pause to consider something worthwhile. Answering these prompts also builds community and blogging thrives in community, right David?
Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a struggle to answer the question, What do you hope people say about you? Albeit the first thing that came to mind is that I hope people say that I am kind. The second thought that occurred to me was that people would say I made them laugh. At work recently, a guest told me that I was considered a celebrity of sorts. He explained that when he and his friends run into a roadblock, they all know they can come to me, and I’ll get something done. That made me smile.
It was a conversation that stuck with me. It made me consider what kind of legacy I’m building—not just in my work, but in my relationships, my art, and my faith. I concluded the core of what I hope people say about me is that I live my life with authenticity, love, compassion, and creativity. I pray that people feel I treat them with kindness, even during difficult situations. I hope that I make people laugh and bring them some relief and joy. I don’t want to be the guy that makes it harder for everyone.
I wonder what it truly means to live with authenticity? And I wonder how do love, compassion, and creativity fit into that picture? Am I being all that I can be as an ambassador of Christ and an advocate for the Gospel?
Authenticity: Being True to Who God Made You
I believe living authentically starts with understanding who God created us to be. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Each of us are born carrying a unique design, purpose, and calling. Yet, the world often attempts to fit us into its molds, many that feel unnatural or invites us to pursue paths that look successful yet leave us hollow.
Authenticity isn’t about perfection or meeting every expectation; it’s about aligning our lives with God’s design for us. When we live authentically, we are try to be honest about our strengths and struggles, our hopes and fears, while trusting that God is working all things together for good.
Romans 8:28 HCSB
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
Love: The Foundation of an Authentic Life
Love is at the heart of authenticity because God Himself is love (1 John 4:8). Living with authenticity means trying to love others as Christ loves Jesus set the example loving selflessly, sacrificially, and unconditionally. I find that’s a hard standard for me to meet on my own. I need the Holy Spirit’s help in even coming close.
Love doesn’t mean we’re doormats or that we avoid difficult truths. True love requires courage and a willingness to show up fully, even when it’s hard. Love is about treating others with dignity, seeing them as God sees them, and extending grace wherever we can.
1 John 4:8 HCSB
The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Compassion: Walking Alongside Others
Ultimately, compassion is love in action. It’s where the rubber meets the road. Compassion means stepping into someone else’s story, even when it’s messy or uncomfortable. As someone who works with the homeless, I’ve learned that compassion is more than giving a meal or a blanket—it’s about seeing the innate humanity in every individual. We are more alike than we are different.
Again, Jesus modeled this beautifully. When He fed the hungry, healed the sick, or comforted the grieving, He didn’t just meet their physical needs. He saw their hearts, and He responded with care. That’s what I hope to reflect in my life: a willingness to be present for others, no matter where they are. Easier said than done (I know).
Creativity: Expressing the Divine Spark
Through pursuing drawing, I’ve discovered that creativity reflects the image of our Creator, God. Whether it’s through art, writing, problem-solving, or simply finding new ways to connect with people, I’ve learned creativity is an essential part of an authentic life.
For me, creativity flows from my faith. I see it as a way to honor God and express the truths He reveals to me. It’s also a way to connect with others on a deeper level, sharing beauty and meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and seems uglier by the minute.
Living It Out
Now for the hard part—living it out for real.
How do we live with authenticity, reflecting love, compassion, and creativity?
I think it starts with a willingness to be vulnerable—to let God shape our hearts and use our lives for His purposes. Vulnerability is the key that unlocks the door. This means taking time to reflect, pray, and seek the Lord’s guidance daily.
No, we won’t always get it right. There will be days when we fall short, when fear or selfishness gets in the way. Take it from me; I know this all too well. Authenticity isn’t about never failing—but about always coming back to God, trusting Him to transform us and guide us forward as we take steps along our journey.
My prayer is that people will see that my life isn’t about me but about Him; about Jesus. I hope I love deeply, act compassionately, and create boldly—not for my glory but for His.
What about you? What do you hope people say about your life?
I look forward to reading your responses in the “Comments.”
Until my next post…
Grace and peace,
Rainer Bantau—The Devotional Guy™
The Devotional Guy™ 