He wants to use you as you.

The Bible says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).

The problem is, many people try to be someone they’re not. They live for the approval of others. Or they think God would love them more if they acted differently. But God’s love isn’t based on how you act. He loves you no matter what you do.

One barrier that often keeps people from being used by God is the fear of being real. You’re afraid people won’t like you if they find out who you really are, so you live an insecure life. But the Bible says, “The Spirit we received does not make us slaves again to fear; it makes us children of God” Romans 8:15 (NCV).

The antidote to insecurity is God’s Spirit at work in you. When you live as a child of God, despite your mistakes and weaknesses, you’re liberated to be who God made you to be.

Did you know your imperfections are actually a good thing? People don’t grow from strengths; they grow from weaknesses. Showing only your strengths to the world won’t make others feel close to you; it may even make them feel jealous or distant. But when you admit your imperfections—when you’re real with others—people draw closer to you.

So you have a decision to make. Are you ready to be real? You can be stuck and enslaved by fear. Or you can be the real you and enjoy the good things God planned for you long ago.