The common phrases “be yourself” and “you do you” have become popular in recent years. They are often used to encourage people to embrace their individuality, follow their hearts, and not worry about what others think. But what does the Bible have to say about this advice? A thorough examination of Scripture reveals that while being our unique selves is good, we must filter our actions and desires through God’s standards, not just follow wherever our hearts lead.
The Call to Conformity
Right away, the Bible presents a different perspective than “be yourself” and “you do you.” Scripture calls believers to transformation, not conformity to their old ways or the patterns of the world. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Verses like Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:5-10, and 1 John 2:15-17 echo this refrain. Simply following our own hearts and ways is dangerous, because the heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). The world’s ways often run counter to God’s standards. So the Bible calls for renewal and transformation by aligning with God’s will.
Our Identity in Christ
The Bible also gives believers a new, primary identity as children of God. When we follow Christ, we become “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our core identity is no longer based on our own ideas, background, personality, or preferences. Being ourselves takes on new meaning when ourselves is defined by Christ. Galatians 2:20 explains this transformative identity: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Rather than self-actualization, fulfillment comes when God lives through us.
Submitting Our Desires to God
Thus, following our own hearts is not enough. Jeremiah 17:9 warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Left unchecked, our natural desires often lead to sin and destruction. That’s why Romans 6:12-13 tells us not to let sin reign in our mortal bodies by obeying our passions. And Romans 13:14 says to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Rather than express every desire, followers of Christ are to submit every part of their lives to God’s will and renew their minds by His truth (Romans 12:1-2).
Seeking First God’s Kingdom
The Bible also instructs believers to seek God’s kingdom rather than their own interests. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Our priorities should be about advancing His work. “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Therefore, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Pleasing ourselves is no longer the goal. Glorifying God takes priority.
Living for Christ and Others
Not only are Christians called to seek God’s kingdom first, but also to serve others. The example of Jesus shows that living for self is incompatible with Christianity. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” As Galatians 2:20 explains, Christ now lives in us, and His heart is for loving God and neighbor. So our new life purpose is loving others through our gifts and resources.
Being Wise and Discerning
Despite these warnings not to follow our own hearts and desires, the Bible does affirm human uniqueness. Psalm 139 praises God for knitting each person together in a one-of-a-kind way. Ephesians 2:10 notes that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” But activating our uniqueness for God requires wisdom and discernment. Romans 12:2 explains that testing and approving God’s will involves renewal of our thinking. And Philippians 1:9-10 shows that godly love grows with knowledge and depth of insight from God’s word.
Cautions About Following Feelings
Since emotions can be deceptive, the Bible cautions about following feelings or passion over God’s commands. Patience, self-control, faith, hope and listening to the Holy Spirit should characterize our actions more than fleeting feelings or passions (Galatians 5:22-25). “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” So we must evaluate our inner leadings carefully against God’s word to avoid ruin.
Loving Others, Not Pleasing Ourselves
One area where following our hearts can lead to trouble is sexuality. The call to purity is clear in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.” Rather than seeking to gratify innate desires, Christians are called to control their bodies in holiness.
Additionally, Romans 1:24-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:18 warn strongly against sexual immorality, since our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. So in terms of sexuality, believers must submit their own interests to God’s standards and loving, faithful relationships.
Liberty in Christ
Despite all these warnings, the Bible does promise liberty in Christ. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Mature believers can follow personal interests with wisdom and self-control guided by love. 1 Corinthians 6:12 states, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.” As Galatians 5 explains, those led by the Spirit now have freedom in Christ to follow righteous desires prompted from within, not just external moralism. The key is humility and looking to others’ interests first.
Being Our True Selves in Christ
Thus, Scripture allows room for personality, interests, and creativity – when grounded in Christ. 1 Corinthians 12 teaches that the body of Christ thrives with diverse members using unique gifts. Ephesians 2:10 says “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” When centered on God’s kingdom and others’ needs, He crafts believers to release our truest selves. Our identity in Christ incorporates personality, background, culture, passions and creativity into a renewed life purpose of love (Romans 12:3-13).
Cautions About Pride and Self-Service
However, the Bible still strongly cautions believers against pride in our own abilities or centering life on self. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Students gifted in music, athletics, art or academics face temptation to arrogance. But 1 Corinthians 12:4-26 reminds us that all gifts come from the Spirit for serving others with love. Pride ruins our true selves in Christ. Self-service also limits our potential to reflect Jesus. So remaining humble and others-focused allows being ourselves to flourish within God’s design.
Renewing Our Minds with Truth
Genuinely being ourselves in Christ requires gradually renewing our minds with truth. Romans 12:2 explains, “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.” The world encourages following our hearts and desires, but Christ transforms us by renewing our thinking to align with His Kingdom. This process allows our true selves to emerge. As Colossians 3:10 says, “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Being Authentic Before God
At our core, God created us to live authentically, in alignment with our convictions and values. Jesus modeled authenticity, speaking boldly against religious hypocrisy. He praised Nathaniel for having “no deceit” in him (John 1:47). So followers of Christ should not pretend to be someone they’re not. But authenticity must flow from renewed minds and hearts, not conformity to old ways of thinking or sinful desires of the flesh. As 1 John 3:7 says, “let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous.” Our true selves honor what we know to be right and true.
Discovering God’s Will for Our Lives
An important part of being ourselves in Christ is discovering God’s particular will for our lives – our gifts, passions and purpose. God makes each of us unique and has a plan to use our personality and background. As Ephesians 2:10 says, “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” But discovering this calling requires drawing close to God in prayer, studying Scripture, godly counsel, and patient waiting on Him to direct our paths by His Spirit. He reveals our true selves step-by-step as we seek His kingdom above all else.
Becoming Who We Are Created to Be
When grounded in Christ, being ourselves and finding our life purpose align. By following Jesus, we become who God created us to be. 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes it this way: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are transformed to reflect His glory more fully. This brings freedom to operate in our gifts and interests, while loving others as He demonstrated.
Being ourselves in Christ incorporates discovered passions and creativity into using all we are for God’s Kingdom. Jesus affirmed this in His conversation with Peter. After asking Peter three times if he loved Him, Jesus said “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). Love for Christ releases our truest identity to serve and build God’s Kingdom.
Finding Fulfillment in Pleasing God
Trying to please everyone usually results in emptiness. But when our primary identity is in Christ, we find freedom and fulfillment. Colossians 1:10 expresses it beautifully: “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” When living to please and honor God, we unlock our created purpose. Experiencing life in His presence and power bears fruit far beyond seeking to gratify ourselves.
Being Wise and Discerning
Of course, biblical wisdom is still required to navigate choices and balance personal freedom with moral responsibility. Galatians 5:13 reminds believers to “not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Romans 14:19 says to “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Christians must be discerning about when to limit personal freedom for the sake of others’ spiritual welfare. But in matters of moral indifference, we have liberty in Christ guided by love.
Christians Will Differ on Gray Areas
Sincere Christians will differ on certain gray areas where Scripture does not give definitive direction. Romans 14 gives examples like observance of religious days or eating disputed foods. The church must show grace to those with different applications of faith in these areas. Each believer must be fully convinced in their own mind before God (Romans 14:5). But when core issues of righteousness are at stake, God’s word is clear. Biblical convictions cannot be compromised.
Conclusion
In summary, being ourselves and finding our unique purpose are biblical when grounded in Christ. As we renew our minds and discover our gifts, passions, and calling, we are transformed into Christ’s image. Our new core identity in Him allows personality, interests and cultural background to shine, provided we live humbly and lovingly serve others. But simply following our hearts is dangerous, since unchecked desires often lead us astray. To become our true selves, we must filter who we are through intimacy with Jesus, study of God’s word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Living wholeheartedly for Christ and others brings the greatest joy and fulfillment.