There is no doubt in any of our minds that life can be tough. A constant reminder scripture that pops up in my head and that I share with my students is: “In this world you will have trouble, but hold heart, ’cause I have already overcome this world.” (John 16:33) Trouble is inevitable, but so is His perfect peace. He has already won – and because of that we can be our best self, the best that He made us to be regardless of the trouble, circumstances, hurt, and trials.
Last year I was teaching at a school and met one of the new teachers. As we became friends and chatted, unbeknownst to me I gave him this advice. Fast forward a few months later and I found myself in a tough situation – he said: “Someone wise once said to me, be your best self regardless.”
It is perhaps much easier said than done, but the fact of the matter is, life will happen. We have no control over what happens (unless our choices lead to certain consequences), but we do have control over how we respond.
To make that choice to step into a response of identity in Christ, a response of a true believer that He works everything toward the good, a response that says, I will consider it ALL joy!
To be the best you regardless, does not mean that healthy boundaries and holy stances are out of the window – we respond the way that we were reminded of, back when we all had that bracelet – WWJD (What Would Jesus Do).
Life, people, and circumstances have no hold on you. You know who you are and, more importantly, Whose you are!
SO… Be your best self regardless!