Siblings in Christ, let me say this so that I can free some of you from unnecessary burdens. Do not let religious Christians force you into going against the very fabric of your personality. I'm saying what many won't say, but I know you need to hear this truth.
Your Personality Doesn't Need a Complete Makeover
Let me use a clear example that many can relate to. Say you're naturally not a people person—you're more of a quiet individual who doesn't enjoy large crowds or social gatherings. That's perfectly okay. Just because you got saved doesn't mean you have to transform into an extrovert overnight.
To become more like Christ does not mean becoming more likable or conforming to what people think you should be. It means allowing the fruits of the Spirit to manifest within your unique personality, while certain characteristics that make you distinctly you remain intact.
As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:18, "God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body just as He desired." You were designed with intention.
The Fruits of the Spirit Within Your Authenticity
Consider the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Here's the beautiful truth:
You can be joyful without being a people pleaser
You can be kind without posting every act of kindness online
You can embody gentleness while being honest
Do not allow religious Christians to pressure you into adopting a false identity. If you were funny before salvation, stay funny. If you were naturally driven, that aggression can be redirected for Kingdom purposes. If you were sassy, be sassy in Christ.
The Hard Truth About Christian Relationships
Here's one that might challenge some people: If you didn't naturally like people before getting saved, you probably still won't like everyone afterward—and that's okay. You will, however, have love for them through God's love.
Show me scripture where any disciple simply "liked" everyone. The Bible doesn't say they liked people, but when the Lord asked them to serve others, they obeyed. You can serve the Lord while not necessarily liking every individual or group.
Let me break off another shackle: You don't have to like every Christian you meet. Whether they're in ministry leadership or fellow believers, it's acceptable to not connect with everyone. They're human beings, after all.
Your Right to Boundaries and Privacy
You don't have to share your personal business with every Christian you encounter. You have the right to privacy and discernment. Don't let anyone manipulate you into believing that maintaining boundaries means you're operating in a "demonic spirit."
If you discern that someone has a monitoring spirit—constantly prying for information while disregarding your comfort—they may be the ones operating inappropriately.
The Real Enemy: Religious Pride
Some religious Christians, puffed up with pride and intellectualism, don't allow the Holy Spirit to influence their behavior. They'll have you believing that unless they validate your personality, you're not godly enough.
They would have everyone looking like identical twins—acting the same way, laughing at the same things, feeling the same emotions. That's not God's design.
Conclusion: Unity in Diversity
We don't have to be identical twins in the body of Christ. Yes, we should manifest the fruits of the Spirit, but within our own individual personalities and characteristics.
Be at peace and stay forever locked in Christ—as the unique person He created you to be.
Remember: Authentic faith doesn't erase your personality; it sanctifies it.