The Real Deal

As years change, the humble dictionary evolves, updating language and integrating new entries among the old.

Reflecting societal concerns, the Merriam-Webster dictionary chose “authentic” as its word of the year. Their announcement highlighted a world influenced by AI, celebrity culture, identity, and social media.

Our growing concern centers on the ability to hide identities or create new, fictitious ones. A parent’s or child’s voice can be “created” and used deceitfully. Images and videos can be manipulated to transform reality into what the creator wants you to see.

This power to deceive, conceal, and manipulate is alarming.

The Bible has consistently warned about the importance of authenticity. The devil slithered into the Garden of Eden as a snake. False teachers, with beaming smiles and smooth words, can twist the minds of even the most fervent Christian.

Are you who you say you are, or is it just a portrayal? Solomon reminds us:

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)

Even if you fool people, you can’t fool God.

In a world of generated fakes, be the real thing. Genuine faith and integrity are refreshing in this made-up age.