Have you ever wondered if God looks at the spirit within you, at the gifts that are in seed form deep inside you? Does He ever take a look at the hand you’ve been dealt, the skills you’ve been given, the doors that have opened for you, and the incredible personality He’s endowed you with? A personality you might have apologized for because it doesn’t fit the mold of your siblings growing up. Have you ever wondered if God looks at the gifts He’s given you and thinks that you are underusing your full potential?

Now, the phrase “do you” is often controversial. It’s typically used when someone is trying to say, “I wouldn’t wear that, but you do you.” They might be implying that the other person’s choice is ridiculous but won’t say it directly. However, in a more positive sense, I once told someone who was trying to figure out how to preach, “You don’t need to scream. We have microphones. I scream because I have issues, but you can be calm. Do you. People will be thankful they don’t have to listen to me scream.”

The advice “do you” is great in many cases, but here’s the thing—it only works if you truly know yourself. For instance, I’m turning 44 next Monday, and I’m enjoying life to the fullest. The advice “do you” is fantastic when you’re figuring out something like a new hairstyle, as I’ve shown in my years of changing hair expressions. I’ve never apologized for any of them, each one was right for the time.

However, I recently received criticism online from someone who was disappointed that I was dyeing my beard, thinking I should be letting it go gray gracefully. But even then, I feel like I should do what makes me happy. I’m trying to “die” to the old ways, as the Bible says, and if my beard goes gray, it will mean I’m ready for a new chapter.

“Do you” is helpful advice when it comes to not feeling pressured to perform like someone else. It’s about embracing your own unique way—whether it’s in singing, using your talents, or even making bold style choices like a mohawk or mullet. If it’s something I want to try, why not?

But today, I didn’t come here to talk about hairstyles. I want to talk about mindsets—specifically the mindset we bring to life. For those I pastor, I’m concerned that we interpret Scripture through a “just do you” lens, and this mindset is influencing the way we approach our faith. Let me show you what I mean by reading Jeremiah 1:4-9, but first, let’s look at how many of us read it through our “just do you” mentality:

The Word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah responded, “I do not know how to speak. I am too young.” But God didn’t tell Jeremiah to just do what he felt like. Instead, He said, “Do not say, ‘I am too young,’ but go to everyone I send you to and speak whatever I command you.”

This shows us that God has a plan for us, and it’s not about just doing what we feel. God has a purpose for each of us, and it’s up to us to use the gifts He has given us to their fullest potential.