Merriam-Webster’s 2023 word of the year is “authentic.” Editor Peter Sokolowski said, “We see in 2023 a crisis of authenticity. What we realize is that when we question authenticity, we value it even more.” People desire authenticity. That’s because they want to know what’s real and true. Unfortunately, truth is often shaded and contorted to be whatever a person wants it to be. But when somebody claims “they’re being their authentic selves” contrary to reality and nature, they’re actually being inauthentic. In order for authenticity to mean something, it must be grounded in objective truth. Scripture says God is the wellspring of truth. Since we’re made in His image, we must seek Him and reconnect with Him if we’re to be the authentic selves He meant for us to be.