The Birth Certificate

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3

“Just be yourself.”

Many of us have received that advice, and it sounds reasonable, right? 

Despite its popularity, this statement runs contrary to the Gospel. 

According to Scripture:

• Just being “yourself” will never lead you to understand or seek God (Romans 3:11). 
• The heart that “yourself” follows can be deceitful above all things and must be cured (Jeremiah 17:9). 
• “Yourself” is easily corrupted by evil desires (Ephesians 4:22). 
• Apart from God, “yourself” cannot please Him (Romans 8:8).

So why would any of us want to “be ourselves”?

This cultural narrative infiltrates the church, convincing us to “be true to ourselves,” “follow our hearts,” and “do whatever makes us happy.” Believe these things and be deceived. 

Nothing will lead you down a path of destruction quicker than always following your heart and doing whatever makes you happy. Without Christ, you cannot be trusted. I do not say all of this to put you down but to point you to Jesus. 

He is the One who tells us in John 3:3 that we must be born again. Why use the words, “born again?” Sin doesn’t make us sick, it makes us dead. We don’t need a better life—we need a new life. 

Instead of the world’s motto of “just be yourself,” this new life follows God’s motto of, “just be like Jesus.” This new life does not mean following a motto, set of rules, or a ritual—it means following a person: Jesus. 

True joy, purpose, and contentment are found in your new life with Jesus.

• Do you want to be happy? Your happiness is found in Christ!
• Do you want to live with a sense of purpose? Your fulfillment is found in Jesus! 
• Do you want to be loved unconditionally? Only Jesus can truly love you that way! 

So, don't be yourself. Instead, lose yourself in Jesus. And you will grow more into the image of the One you are created for.

Prayer: Father, thank you for giving me a new life. Help me take up my cross today and follow You. Through Your good Spirit, lead me to the rock that is higher than I and to the source of unfailing love—lead me to You. In Jesus' name, amen.