January 18, 2015

Reflections

“To thine own self be true,” a quote from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, means we shouldn’t lie to ourselves but instead know who we are and what we believe.

“To thine own self be true” is also engraved on Alcoholics Anonymous coins used to commemorate an individual’s successful sobriety for a specific length of time.

While there is nothing inherently harmful or wrong about this statement, it has warped from a postmodern revolt against hypocrisy into an excuse for lifestyle choices that seem to enhance our own personal happiness, which may leave a swath of destruction in its wake.

“Be true to yourself” has become a commonplace mantra embraced by the masses and echoed across social media platforms. “Be true to yourself and live the life you deserve.” “Be true to yourself and do what makes you happy.” “Tired of your relationship with your spouse? Just get a divorce.” “Someone else meets your emotional or sexual needs better? Be with him or her.” After all, if we can have something that seems better and has the pretense of offering us greater happiness, shouldn’t we go for it?31 1 6 4

These examples may sound extreme, but the truth is that when we are true to ourselves, thinking only of our own happiness, there’s always collateral damage.

Part of understanding how being true to oneself can hurt others starts with understanding who we really are as human beings. The Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23, ESV).* “None is righteous, no, not one . . . ; no one does good, not even one” (verses 10-12). We all are sinful and unrighteous beings who of ourselves can do no good. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6, KJV). This is our true self, and it’s not a pretty picture.

I’m not saying we should walk around pretending to be something we are not. On the contrary, instead of being ourselves, we need Jesus to come into our lives and let His life shine through us. God asks us to seek Him rather than our own happiness, and then promises to take care of all our needs. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

God’s rules aren’t meant to enslave us—they are meant to set us free. Jesus said, “Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). But when we follow God’s Word, we are free and can be happy no matter what the situation. By His grace, we can even fall in love again with our spouse or be content in abstaining from our addictions and wrong desires, whatever they may be.

Being true to God is not just about temporary, instant gratification. It offers an eternal and all-encompassing joy that, instead of tearing families, friends, and communities apart, brings them together, healing the deepest wounds and creating miracles from tragedies.

Instead of deluding ourselves about who we really are, it’s time we had a reality check about our need for Jesus Christ in our lives.

Just as in the days of Joshua, the decision remains the same for us today, to “choose this day whom you will serve”(Joshua 24:15).

To whom will you be true? To yourself, or to God?


* Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

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