“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’” John 3:3
We live in a world that says, “Just be yourself.” But nothing could be more contrary to the Gospel than that statement. According to Scripture, “yourself” will never understand or seek God (Romans 3:11). That heart “yourself” follows is deceitful above all things and is beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9). “Yourself” is being corrupted by evil desires (Ephesians 4:22). “Yourself” cannot please God (Romans 8:8). So why would any of us want to “be ourselves?”
So many people – even within the Church – have bought into the lies that we should be true to ourselves, follow our hearts, and do what makes us happy. These are lies straight from the pit of hell. Nothing will make you more miserable than you. Nothing will lead you down a path of destruction quicker than you will. Without Christ, you cannot be trusted.
I do not say all of this to put you down. I say it to point you to Jesus. He is the One who told us in John 3:3 that we must be born again. Why did He use those words, “born again?” It is because sin doesn’t make us sick…it kills us spiritually. We don’t need a better life – we need a new life.
This new life doesn’t follow the world’s motto of “Just be yourself.” It follows God’s motto of, “Just be like Jesus.” This life doesn’t mean following a set of rules or rituals – it means following a person…Jesus. The great thing is, that is where true joy, purpose, and contentment are found – in giving up your old life for Jesus.
Do you want to be happy? That happiness is found in Christ. Do you want your life to have a purpose? That purpose is found in Jesus. Do you want to be loved unconditionally? Only Jesus can truly love you that way. All the answers are found in Him and Him alone. So, don’t be yourself. Instead, lose yourself in Jesus.
God, I give up all the rights I think I have for the sake of Your kingdom. I trust You to bring me more joy than I could ever bring myself. Today, I surrender my life to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
Topics: Joy
