Authenticity--Ultimate Apologetic

16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
-1 Peter 3:16

This verse does not mean that we should be nervous about our every move--making sure that we don't slip up and give those watching us an excuse to dismiss what we stand for. Sometimes, with best intentions, we live this way. We are so caught up in setting a good example that we are unable to enjoy the freedom of living under grace (cf. Gal. 5:13). But this verse doesn't say we must be perfect, it says to keep a clear conscience. And this means, as much as anything else, admitting fault. Though the Christian should growingly be marked by a life that more perfectly models Christ's example--a life of good deeds--the ultimate mark of the Christian is that she openly recognizes that she falls short, and is constantly in need of grace and forgiveness. Our world demands authenticity, not perfection. And hypocrisy, the greatest turn-off to our faith, is a failure to live the former, not the latter.