Do you have many you’s? Not unusual… many people do. However, it will entail a bit of a juggling act and knowing which you to present to which ‘group’ when you are with the world. Quite honestly…….. is it worth it? And what do you gain when you do this? Isn’t it tiring?
I really don’t think I’ve ever done this though I have watched others do it. I’ve always believed in the – what you see is what you get – approach to presenting myself. Not belligerent, arrogant, nor aggressive, simply being myself seemed to be the best approach and definitely the easiest. That way – if you choose not to associate with me, at least you know why. Plus, you don’t have to wonder what I’m actually saying or meaning.
I would like to think that part of the reason I’m this way is an adherence and application of the scripture:
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:37, ESV)
Additionally, you don’t have to wonder what you said to person A that might vary with person B. However, if you do a 180 change in your beliefs. actions, thinking, etc. then I do believe you need to let those in your world know that you’ve made a change.
There’s another scripture that I believe also speaks to this mindset.
“But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23, ESV)
Before you point out the obvious, that I am not putting the scripture in context, granted. But look at the principle. Both these scriptures reveal a foundational point – that our words and actions shouldn’t be a mixed message, and that faith should be the basis for our words and actions. If we don’t have peace about (fill in the blank) then we should simply say we aren’t ready to commit because we have not arrived at a decision.
You may choose to reject this approach to your interactions and reactions, your thoughts and beliefs, but if so… what is your basis for a ‘which you’ that is presented?
