As a society, we are always promoting the best for ourselves. However, these self-centered statements like “being my best self,” “being the best version of me,” or “ I am living my best life” can end up hurting ourselves and others. This happens when we interpret these phrases with the idea that we do it by ourselves, which is not a sustainable way to live. When I see these “best” phrases, there are two ways they potentially affect people's lives. People either decide to do things for everyone else or only to do things for themselves. 

When deciding to be the “best version of yourself,” you may think that in order to become that, you need everyone to think you are your “best self” before you actually can be. So, in response, you begin to do what everyone else wants you to do or say. But living your life for others and waiting for people to validate whether you are “living your best life” will not sustain you.  You will either become exhausted or frustrated because you are pleasing them while not being true to yourself or to God.

Another outlook you might take is the extreme opposite, where everything is now about you. You do or say whatever you want in order to get what you want. You do what makes you happy, even if it’s hurting someone else. It’s all about self-pleasure and feeling good.

Both of these seem very lonely ways of living. Each of these types of people end up being alone. One has lost herself, and the other lost the people around her. Now, not everyone takes these extremes, but in some way or another we all have a tendency toward each of these thoughts: people pleasing or people abusing. It is difficult to change how we respond to these statements until we realize we can’t be our “best selves” on our own...we need God.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:10

Let’s shift the meaning of these “best” statements...I do believe I should try my best, but my best might look different everyday. So, I do the best with what I have and ask God to fill in the rest. He gives me strength when I am weak, He gives me courage when I am fearful, and He is with me always. My feelings might not always align with God’s Word when I ask for His help, so I take a step of faith and trust Him. Every fiber in my body might not want to, but again, I choose to ask God to do what I can’t. I ask God to do what my earthly self feels is impossible and trust He will do what is best for me. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11

Therefore, I am always the best version of myself when I am relying on God, not myself. I should be the “best version of myself,” but I am not my best without God. And I do believe I should “live my best life,” but that life looks like surrendering daily to God and choosing His life for me instead of the desires of my flesh. I know and trust that what He has planned for me is far better compared to what my flesh wants for myself. God amplifies my dreams to glorify Him, yet I sometimes stifle my dreams by making them self-glorifying. I make it about me, when it should be about Him.

Are you ready to give up the society's version of “being your best self” and to ask God to become what makes you your “best self”?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Moriah Spencer and I’m an English Major at Nyack College. Ever since I was young I have had a passion to create. Whether that be writing a story, painting, or decorating my room. God has given me a desire to share how He has changed my life and I am excited to take you along on my journey!