You Do You, (Christian) Boo

Whether we like it or not – titles usually come with preconceived notions. Lawyer? Argumentative. Homeless? Lazy. Rich? Selfish. Christian? Judgmental.

Whether these assumptions are true or not – they do exist. Oftentimes as a Christian we may feel the need to explain ourselves as to not be clumped into the “self-righteous” category. How do you find that happy medium of being successfully in but not of the world? The answer is crystal clear in scripture:

“I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”
John 17:14-18

Simply put? Stay true to who you are in Christ. Jesus makes a point to mention that even though this earth is not our final destination and we aren’t always going to be the fan favorite – we are meant to be here. To be different. To forgive when others seek revenge. To help when it isn’t our responsibility. To resist temptations that have become a societal standard. To be a true Christian.

For some reason, I think people are quick to pull the “judgement” card when they hear someone is a Christian. For example, I don’t drink and I don’t use profanity. These are just a couple things that God has put on my heart that seem to draw the most attention in conversations. Does this mean I’m perfect? Absolutely not! Am I putting on a show to appear perfect? No! I am the first person to admit how badly I need and appreciate God’s grace. I am just trying to live my life to glorify God – not appease people. Most people assume I am against drinking or that hearing swearing will somehow jeopardize my faith. Am I going to judge someone for drinking a beer? Absolutely not. Do I like profanity? No, but I don’t melt if I hear it! I want to be focused on what Jesus was focused on – loving people, not judging them. Jesus spent the majority of his time with people who initially had the opposite lifestyle and/or mindset as him. He won them over by caring about them and investing in them, not by trying to be like them.

One of the saddest things that I see are amazing, bright people trying to serve God while also trying to fit in with the world. They have an amazing heart and they want to follow God’s will for their life, but they also have this fear of not fitting in. This is so dangerous to your soul.

“He said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.’”
Luke 16:15

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.”
Revelation 3:15-16

If you feel the need to fit in with the world – this is a red flag that you aren’t confident in who you are in Christ. Don’t get your title – or the world’s attached notions – mixed up with who you are. You are who God says you are – he’s the one that made you after all.

“…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”
Isaiah 43:1

Please don’t hear what I’m not saying! Listening to the latest music, making money, wearing the newest trends, going out with friends – these things are all great! God wants you to enjoy the little things. Good things are good until they become ultimate things. When how much money you make or how many likes your post gets becomes the scale on which you measure your self worth – this is when there is a major issue. The goal isn’t to impress people, the goal is to love them like Jesus does.

So you do you, boo. You were created by a God that adores you. He made you unique and set you apart for a purpose only you can fulfill. To touch lives only you can touch. Be confident despite judgement and discouragement from the world – you are chosen and you are irreplaceable.

“For You formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.”
Psalm 139:13-16

By Emily Meadows

https://medium.com/@ByBreadcrumbs

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