Huh? What’s with the title of this blog?
WYSIWYG is an acronym that stands for, “what you see is what you get.” I can’t recall where I first heard it, but I think it was on one of my high-tech jobs, years ago. I’ve since used it most often to describe the type of person I like the most – authentic. I wrote a blog not too long ago, Just Give Me the Truth, I’ll Deal With It, that highlights my affinity for genuine people who show up as they are, no avatar, no gimmicks, no façade, just them. Their attitude is, take it or leave it, friend. I love it. If only everyone were authentic (sigh).
Do you have someone in your life who you can truly say embodies WYSIWYG? This is the person who, no matter what, will speak straight with you. Be honest, is that not quite admirable, especially given the fact that most people these days do not have the courage to be themselves? In some ways, it is extremely encouraging because it proves to us that a person can live and breathe as God made them and be content with it. Why would anyone ever want to be anyone other than themselves? Pride.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
– Proverbs 11:2
Pride drives the desire to be something “better” and yet it’s this very act that results in a “worse” individual. In order to become this “better” self (in the absence of God’s sanctifying work), one must leave their true self behind. That’s tantamount to saying God failed when He created them.
WYSIWYG is a type of self-acceptance. It doesn’t mean a person has to love everything about themselves (after all, even God intends to change a person via sanctification), it just means that being authentic is the best path to follow because it lightens the load one must carry (it is truly a burden to uphold lies about oneself – avatars are heavy).
Humility is implied in authenticity. When everyone in a group is authentic, there is trust. Trust is at the very core of unity.
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
– 1 Peter 3:8
We all ought to strive to become WYSIWYG. You’re not really helping anyone (especially not yourself) if you falsify your character out of pride. In fact, you are no longer the person God desires you to be, which is not only a sin (sin means to “miss the mark”), but a failure to your Church family. It’s like trying to turn a screw with a hammer. If you’re a hammer, go find a nail and leave the turning of screws to the screwdrivers! I wrote another blog a while ago on this topic titled, The Right Tool for the Job (warning: have some tissues ready).
Jesus Christ called humble people to Himself (Mark 2:17), which implies authenticity at the basest level. He promised those people rest. Compare godly rest to the turmoil of upholding a make-believe image of yourself out of pride. No wonder the WYSIWYG life is draped with peace.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
– Matthew 11:28-30
On the flip side of authenticity is awfulness.
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight. A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
– Proverbs 12:22-23
The Apostle John encouraged authenticity in all he wrote. WYSIWYG implies a person doesn’t just speak the truth; they live it (a la James 1:22). Don’t live a life of delusion, regardless of how many people in your periphery are fooled by your façade.
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
– 1 John 3:18
Walking in truth is the best version of you. Furthermore, authenticity is a blessing to you because it means freedom from the burdens of upholding lies (not to mention, inauthenticity is on track and in keeping with the devil, himself – John 8:44 – which never ends well).
If you have a friend or two who are WYSIWYG, then thank God for them, for they are among the greatest blessings in your life. Why? Because they’ll tell you the truth, no matter what, and not just about themselves (which takes all the guesswork out of your relationship), but also about you! Would you rather have someone lie to you in order to help you propagate some façade, or would you rather have someone tell you the truth (which is designed to set you free, according to Jesus – John 8:32)?
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
– Proverbs 27:5-6
WYSIWYG people are like precious gems. If you find one, you’ve found someone of great potential value to your life. Sure, they’re going to come in all shapes and sizes, sometimes even presenting as offensive to your sensibilities, your norms and standards, and your way of life. So be it – at least you know who you’re dealing with! If you consider yourself truly authentic, then you, my friend, are a true gem and I thank you for being you, for you are a rare sighting these days.
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins