Can you be a Christian and have your own personality?
Question:
Hello!
I am a Christian with a big question. I know you probably hear that a lot, but still: Is being yourself a sin? I'm not talking about being gay, I'm straight. I'm talking, can I have true blue faith in God and still have my own personality and traits? Like have certain hobbies and things you like and still be saved. I hope this isn't the dumbest question ever.
Answer:
"Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, And put away evil from your flesh, For childhood and youth are vanity" (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).
A casual reading of the Bible shows that every follower of God had his or her own personality and traits. For example, Moses was extremely meek, Peter was impulsive and had extreme moods, John and his brother James were hot-heads whom Jesus nicknamed "Sons of Thunder," and Judas was given the name "Barnabas" (Son of Encouragement) because he was so uplifting to people around him. Faith in God doesn't erase your personality.
What children of God do is avoid sin. So if a hobby of yours is sinful, then it is dropped. If you have a personality that gets you into trouble, such as losing your cool easily (James 1:20), then you learn to manage your anger (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Response:
Thank you so much. I actually do lose my cool, on the inside. Please pray with me that I will grow more in Christ. Thank you for working for and in Jesus.
