“When I was a child, I spoke like a child; but when I became a man, I put childish ways behind me”(1 Corinthians 13:11)

Just be who you are! That idea, along with other variations of this encouragement, which might sound like this—be true to yourself or just do you—certainly can be found throughout our culture. And it is important to be genuine, and sincere to a unique design that God has personalized for each of us.

But I do wonder if perhaps, maybe we have over-applied this idea today. The second of three reasons is, it can stunt your personal growth. Often the ‘just be you’ ideology shuts the door on the opportunity to learn and master new ideas, concepts, and skills. It puts a hard stop on living, which is what life is all about—experiencing and growing in new things.

We are created to grow. From conception, our lives have been all about physical, mental, and spiritual growth. The Bible calls this maturity. Consider these words: “When I was a child, I spoke like a child; but when I became a man, I put childish ways behind me”(1 Corinthians 13:11) OR let us stop going over the basic teaching about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding.

If you find yourself having checked out of life’s classroom, please re-enroll and discover a better version of you as God is continuing his work in you.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, Heavenly Father, we thank You very much for the gift of new lives. And sometimes living in a new life and living this life and being called to learn can grow wearisome.

We can grow tired. We can oftentimes settle for just things of the past that we have mastered. But You continue to call us forward each day, to learn and discover those blessings which, You say, are new every morning. One of those blessings is for us to continue to learn and grow in our faith and in our trust of You.

Help us to do that this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*Part 3 of the “Should You Just Do You?” devotion will be released on Monday, January 20, 2025.