Modern culture has an infatuation with the phrase, “Be you!” In a way, these cultural voices are on to something, since God uniquely designed us and individually gifted us (read Romans 12:4-6). But to be thorough and biblical, it would be better to say, “Be you!”* Don’t forget the asterisk. Don’t forget the terms and conditions that God applies.
I sometimes ask my daughter, “Maya, do you think it’s good to follow your heart?” She smirks and says, “What if my heart wants to punch you in the face?” Ha! She’s pointing out that sometimes what’s within us isn’t good or selfless or right with Jesus. If you’ve ever been wrong, ever changed your mind about something, or ever felt afraid when there was nothing to be afraid of, you already know that being true to what you feel/want/desire/think isn’t the best way to live life. Terms and conditions must apply.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). That’s a simple summary of the asterisk. Be you . . . as long as you are following the “good, pleasing, and perfect will” of God.
God cares about your passions, strengths, and desires. If you first filter them through Scripture, you will end up the very person whom God wants you to be, transformed by the Word instead of conformed to the world. That’s what it means to “be you!”*
