Here's the thing, I love and hate this phrase and I have been thinking about why I love it and why it bugs me.
So many times the religion of Christianity takes over and squashes that relational aspect. The strict rules and "my way" attitude seem to put people into boxes in ways that they just don't fit. You see the box of crayons smashed to bits as the beauty in those that weren't accepted as “right” are discarded.
God made us all different ON PURPOSE. We weren't made to look identical to those around us. I know, I talked about that last week and I don't want to be that broken record, so I will continue with this post.
We are meant to be us, but there is a comma after that sentence ON PURPOSE as well.
It can be easy to get the American Dream mixed up with the Biblical calling God has given us. They don't always match. Of course God wants us to follow our heart, but more than that he wants us to seek him with all our heart and allow that relationship guide the path. Sometimes God uses the crap and mess to meet us where we are and make us the best versions of ourselves that we can be.
I love, "You Do You," because we need to embrace who were were created it to be, but I don't like it because we were made for more. We are like that microwave on the counter, unless its plugged into some electricity it ain't doing anything. We are the best us when we are connected to our Creator, our Savior, our King!
We were made to work within the body of Christ and that often means putting others first. It means sacrifice and self-denial. I do think its important to validate yourself before you hand yourself over to Jesus and allow Him to speak into your life.
Trying to check the boxes and meet all the rules isn't going to work, because that would be our effort and it isn't our effort, but God's mercy. We have to surrender ourselves to Jesus. When we know we are loved and can trust him, doing so isn't scary. Life is never easy, but we weren’t created for this world. Heaven is our home. God has given us a mission and it involves others. Finding the balance in knowing and accepting yourself and submitting to God’s plan for your life is key.
Let’s face it, we don’t really want people to do them if it means causing harm to others or themselves, but we do want them to not feel pressure to be a reflection of everyone else is around them.
The Bible may only say that God said,” It’s Good,” on creation days, but he said it about all of his creation which includes me and you singularly. We need to accept that we were made to be us and cherish who that is. The question isn’t, “how can I fit in?” Instead it’s, “how can I serve God?” One question looks outward to compare and the other looks inward and factors in who we are.
Maybe you are saying, “Carrie, that’s all well and great, but, how?”
First, do you know what makes you, you? Do you know how you can shine? Do you know what you add to the world? Start answering those questions. Take some personality tests, ask your friends, look at where you find most joy.
Second, embrace the creation. Can you list 20 wonderful things about yourself? Do you doubt your value? Are you worried that others can discount you and cut you down to worthless? If so then it’s time to ask God to show you how he sees you. What he sees when he says, “ it is good!”
Daily write down the beauty you see in yourself. When you hear those negative voices begin to replace them. Find scriptures that speak to this and write them down. Post them where you can see them and be reminded.
Third, ask God to show you how you can serve and honor him, specifically how can you walk with him. Spend time with God. Maybe it’s time for a daily Bible reading and quiet time in prayer. Come to know what a relationship with God looks like, not just a religion. The beauty happens in the time together.
True freedom is in being who God creates us to be. Go be free!
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