Around Me

There is recent trend in society. I have seen an acceptance of "being yourself" rise and take a prominent place in our minds, and even in Christian thought.

Let's be clear, the message of "being yourself" implies an abandonment of hypocrisy, of which I would support, but at the same time it grabs that enmity towards hypocrisy, and places acceptance and pressure on "being yourself."

Now, we don't want to be like everyone else, we just want to be "ourself." Interestingly enough, most people probably wouldn't know how to define themselves. Perhaps they will give a list of "quirky" and "unique" things about themselves; clearly ignoring their faults. When we do come to our faults, we make ourselves victims of situation, and other people trying to "change" us. 

I mean, come one! Why can't they just accept me as I am?

Have you ever heard Katy Perry's song, Firework?

Find yourself agreeing?

These thoughts are silly!

Ironically enough, if everyone was unique, and then we would all end up being the same. Ignoring this basic fault, I would also like to point out other more significant faults in this philosophy. 

Second off, Christians are called to be like Christ, not ourselves. Apart from Christ, we are: filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

How's that for "quirky" and "unique?"

For being ourselves, we are "deserving of death." 

Christians are called to be like Christ, not ourselves. When we feel an acceptance of self centered expression, we are returning to that "quirky" and "unique" list of things we think of ourselves as, but in God's eyes, we are filled with unrighteousness. 

Self expression becomes an excuse for sin. 

Self expression becomes an excuse for having "me" time.

Self expression is what social media pushes.

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

We were not bought with the blood of Christ to be "ourselves." We were bought with a price so that we would be free to choose the riches of Christ, and to be obedient to him.

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

The cross of Christ was not focused around exalting and glorifying me, but God. Do not be yourself, because that only leads to death and slavery. Being conformed to Christ is what life is what makes us free. "Be holy, for I am holy." Dying to yourself and embracing Christ's calling is what makes your life meaningful.

- Jerry