Your True Self 1

Good evening my friends :)

I've been in much thought this past week about a verse in the 1st chapter of the book of John. I really wanted to spend a great deal of time on this verse so we could really dig into it, but time has not allowed so I will share it and my thoughts with you in short. The verse is John 1:12.

The New American Standard Bible states John 1:12 as follows:

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,...etc.

The Message Bible states the same verse as follows:

But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves.

This particular version caught my attention with the words - true selves. I began asking, "Am I my true self?"

Several years ago I would have answered that I was my "true self", but as I look back on the days of yesteryear, I realize that I am more my true self today than I have ever been. As a matter of fact, even 2 years ago, I was not my true self.

What allows a person to be their true self? How do we know if we are our true selves? What hinders us from being our true selves? Our child-of-God selves? I realize that God wants me to be completey who He created me to be. To be no one else. To mimic no one in personality, but to be me. I can have my own likes and dislikes. I can like 22" chrome wheels even if others make fun of me. I can like pink tennis shoes and hip hop style music even if I am 39 years old! I don't have to act "grown up" or carry a certain disposition about me because others around me appear a certain "way" and I define that "way" as my standard.

I've decided I just want to be me. I want to be who God created me to be and He wants you to be who He created you to be. No one else may dance the way you do, but you're unique. No one else may like your lime green VW, but if you like it, then be happy! Be confident in the person God created in you.

I believe God will have me "stuck" here for another week or so, so I'll be sharing more with you on this topic next week. Be who God created! Be yourself!

Love you all!!!!