Transforming Your True Self: Discovering God's Design for Fulfillment and Purpose

Don't Be Yourself

Have you ever heard the phrase "just be yourself"? It's a common piece of advice we often hear when facing various situations in life. However, could there be a different perspective worth considering? Let's explore the idea of not being yourself and how it aligns with biblical principles.

The Danger of Being Ourselves

When we think about being ourselves, we often associate it with expressing our true nature and personality. However, sometimes our true selves are marred by sin and selfish desires. The Bible warns us about the dangers of following our natural inclinations.

Proverbs 12:18 tells us, "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Our natural inclination may lead us to speak harshly and hurt others with our words. Proverbs 15:4 also reminds us, "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Our true selves may not always reflect the gentleness and kindness that God desires from us.

Instead of embracing our flawed nature, the Bible encourages us to be transformed. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." We are called to be conformed to the image of Christ, not to our own imperfect selves.

Becoming Like Christ

As followers of Christ, our aim should be to become more like Him. Our true identity is found in Him and not in our own flawed selves. Galatians 2:20 reminds us, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." This verse emphasizes the importance of dying to our old selves and allowing Christ to live through us.

When we surrender ourselves to Christ, we are transformed by His grace. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." Our old sinful nature is replaced with a new nature that reflects the character of Christ.

Embracing God's Design

God has a perfect design for each one of us. As we embrace His design, we find true fulfillment and purpose. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." When we align ourselves with God's plan, we experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from living out our intended purpose.

Instead of being ourselves, let's strive to be who God created us to be. We don't have to be confined to our flawed nature, but rather, we can be transformed by God's grace and empowered to live according to His will. Let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Denying ourselves means surrendering our natural inclinations and submitting to God's perfect plan.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the idea of not being ourselves, we realize that it is not about suppressing our individuality or denying our unique gifts and talents. Instead, it is about surrendering our flawed nature and allowing God to transform us into the image of Christ. When we align ourselves with God's design, we find true fulfillment and purpose.

So, let's not just be ourselves, but let's be who God created us to be. Let's embrace the transformation that comes through surrendering to Christ and living according to His will. By doing so, we can experience the abundant life that God has prepared for us.