Why Weren't You Your True Self?

By the grace of God I am what I am. - 1 Corinthians 15:10

Sometimes it’s hard to accept authentic selves - perhaps we’ve been taught that parts of who we are should be hidden away - for example, our strong opinions. Or perhaps certain sexual attractions. Or perhaps our questions about God.

Sometimes it’s hard to accept our authentic selves because we ourselves have given in to the temptation to model our lives off of someone else’s life who appears ideal in our mind’s eye. Maybe they fit better into mainstream culture. Or maybe their prayers seem more articulate. Or maybe they have a more outgoing personality.

Whether these forces come from the outside or the inside, they whisper to us that we are not okay. And yet Jesus constantly is creating space around himself for people to be just who they are. And there’s something remarkably freeing to let it all out to God - our hopes and dreams, our fears and faults, our authentic self. No wonder he said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

The 19th century rabbi, Zusya, was getting along in years and his disciples pestered him about what he thought it would be like to encounter God in heaven. A short while before his death, they asked if he thought he would regret not being more like Moses. He responded, 'In the world to come I shall not be asked: 'Why were you not Moses?' I shall be asked, 'Why were you not Zusya?'"

Spend a little time with your God now, listening to the voice that is calling out your true self.