Our culture tells us that the way to be happy is to "be true to yourself". It’s posted on social media, promoted in adverts, taught in schools and, even, expressed in churches. But what does that mean, and does it actually work?
Matt Fuller explores how true happiness, wholeness and freedom can be found in embracing who God has created us to be; allowing ourselves to be shaped by who the Bible says we are, rather than our own fluctuating feelings, or the voices around us. In the process, this book draws on a broad range of fascinating research and examples to give us a fresh biblical take on some of today's biggest hot-button issues.
By cutting through the confusion and showing us something better, this is a book to help every Christian live with confidence in today's culture.
This pithy and culturally incisive book is a must-read for Christians of all ages. Matt Fuller’s theological, biblical and pastoral insights offer a life-giving alternative to a culture that is over-promising and under-delivering.
--- Stephen McAlpine, City Bible Forum
Matt Fuller has the ability to tap into our culture and our hearts, and then let the word of God and the grace of God expose, reorient, guide and comfort us with tremendously helpful insights. But you know a book is good when you want to side with Jesus because you’re persuaded again that his way is the best way.
--- Ray Galea, Lead Pastor, Multicultural Bible Ministry
Every teenager and twentysomething is looking for their identity. Our selfie-obsessed culture tells us that to find it, we need to look within, follow our hearts and be true to ourselves. But Matt Fuller offers a better way... because he offers Jesus’ way: deny yourself and follow Christ. This is a book for the times and a book my generation desperately needs as they navigate our culture. I’m so grateful for Be True to Yourself!
-- Jaquelle Crowe Ferris, Author, This Changes Everything; Founder and COO, The Young Writer
Contents
Introduction
Part 1: Finding the real you
1. To Thine Own Self Be True
2. Finding ourselves in reflecting God
3. Finding ourselves in knowing others
4. Finding ourselves in seeing Christ
Part 2: How to be true to the real you
5. Identity: Certainty > self-creation
6. Gender and sexuality: How should I define myself?
7. Sex: The hunger of self-gratification
8. Relationships: Deny yourself to find yourself
9. Community: There can be no losers in church
10. Online: True to selfie in a virtual world
11. I'm not the Messiah… (but I want to become like him)
