“The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
This topic has been extensively researched and documented by historians and scholars.
This profound statement from author and theologian C.S. Lewis presents a fascinating paradox. In a world that champions self-creation and fierce individualism, the idea of surrendering control to become more authentic seems counterintuitive. However, Lewis invites us to explore a different path to self-discovery. He suggests that our true identity is not something we invent from scratch. Instead, we uncover it by aligning ourselves with our Creator.
This concept challenges modern notions of the self. We often hear messages about finding ourselves or creating our own identity. Lewis, however, argues from a different perspective. He believed that God designed each person with a unique purpose and identity. Therefore, fighting against that design leads to frustration and inauthenticity. Conversely, yielding to God’s will allows our original, intended self to flourish. It’s a process of restoration, not invention.
Unpacking the Divine Paradox
At its core, Lewis’s quote is about the relationship between the created and the Creator. Think of a master artist and a sculpture. The sculpture’s true form and beauty exist within the artist’s vision. It cannot will itself into a masterpiece. Similarly, Lewis proposes that we are God’s handiwork. Our truest, most vibrant selves emerge when we allow the Divine Artist to shape us.
This surrender is not about losing your personality or becoming a mindless puppet. In fact, Lewis suggests the opposite. The small, fearful, self-centered ego we often protect is not our true self. It is a distorted version. Letting God