Being Yourself

Common Advice

When someone is nervous (for example a teenage boy worried about telling a girl about his interest) a common piece of advice is to “just be yourself.” This is a curious statement really, because it depends on one’s particular attitude toward “self” as to what this could really mean. We live in a society that is obsessed with self to the point that to esteem oneself is one of the highest virtues.

What is Meant?

Being honest

On the one hand, if “just be yourself” is taken to mean choosing to avoid deception through presenting your personality, interests, etc. as someone you are not, then the advice is sound. We are all created unique, so much that although we can be as numerous as the sand of the seashore (cf. Gen. 22:17) we are each created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26ff) as truly unique individuals. Our own experience, choice, mind, are all free and fully known to ourselves and to God alone.

That God encourages such personality can be shown through His inspired writers. Although the Holy Spirit inspired all of these men, from Moses to John, with the very words of His breath, He did so without destroying what made these men Moses and John. Their own particular styles, choices of words – the essence of who they are was important. Besides, to present yourself as someone else would be a falsehood and sinful.

Being self-worshipping

On the other hand, however, if “just be yourself” is taken to mean glorify or take confidence in your own choices and behavior, there is a problem. Our own choices are imperfect; our own behavior is at times wicked and horrible. In such a light, one would want to be more than “just yourself” – in essence better than “just yourself.”

The Christian is given the perfect means to combine both of these ideas into something worthwhile. God does not ask for us to change that which defines who we are, but instead to put aside the base impulses that guides such self and to become someone better in Christ. Wearing the name of Christ means having His mind, His heart, and His attitude; but you will still have your face.

Being Honest With “Self”

If we are completely honest with ourselves, when we look back over our lives being “just yourself” is not a pleasant prospect. Through Christ we have the ability to be someone better, someone purer, and someone worth esteeming, for it is quite good to boast in Christ (Gal. 6:14). We can become the “self” that God created and intended for us to be.