“Be Yourself”

Maybe it’s me, but I always feel a bit uneasy when I hear people tell someone to “just be yourself.” Of course, context always colors the statement.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). We know it takes a process to become the new creation. As you continually submit your life to the Holy Spirit, He transforms you through Sanctification so you can manifest the new creation.

Your old self doesn’t suddenly take a back seat because you came to Christ. Both old and new selves continue in a tug of war for dominance.

So when people just tell others to be themselves, I always wonder which self? Are they encouraging you to be your old self controlled by the flesh or your new self controlled by the Spirit.

I am okay with being yourself, so long as you’re leaning more towards your new self. Being your old, corrupt, worldy, fleshly, selfish self is contrary to what God requires and expects from He new creation.

Remember, we have been bought by the precious blood of Jesus and must be eager to shed our old selves and proudly put on the new.

The next time, someone tells you to be yourself, and before you comply, take a pause and ask yourself, “Which self?”

Blessings.

Love, Lady Monica ❤️