Expressive Individualism: The Modern Ethos vs. The Teachings of Jesus

In the contemporary landscape of Western philosophy and culture, few ideas are as pervasive as Expressive Individualism. This postmodern mindset trumpets the individual's autonomy in pursuing self-discovery and self-expression. But when viewed through a Biblical lens, how does this doctrine measure up against the teachings of Jesus Christ? Spoiler alert: not well.

Expressive Individualism is the idea that you find meaning and purpose through "being yourself," or expressing your unique qualities, desires, and feelings. The mantra could very well be, "You do you." Or in Shakespearean terms, "To thine own self be true," albeit without the Elizabethan language barrier.

This principle can look great on motivational posters and social media memes, but as Francis Schaeffer famously said, "Ideas have consequences." And in this case, the consequences can be grave.

Before we get carried away, let's remember what Jesus taught us. In the Gospel of Luke, we read, "And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'" (Luke 9:23). Self-denial? Cross-bearing? It sounds like the opposite of "You do you."

As John MacArthur noted, "True Christianity is an all-out commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ."

The Bible consistently urges us to put God and others ahead of ourselves. Consider Philippians 2:3-4: "doing nothing from selfish ambition or vain glory, but with humility of mind regarding one another as more important than yourselves, not merely looking out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."

As David Jeremiah aptly says, "You were made for more than self-interest. You were made to fit into God's glorious cosmic plan."

Charles Spurgeon once said, "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." In essence, this chimes perfectly with the Gospel notion of grace — giving without expectation, much like what God does for us.

John Calvin would agree, noting that "Self-denial is the basic feature of the Christian life." Ultimately, Expressive Individualism puts the 'I' on a pedestal. However, the Bible removes the 'I' from its throne to replace it with the great "I AM" (Exodus 3:14).

Consider the story of the Prodigal Son, a classic tale of Expressive Individualism gone wrong (Luke 15:11-32). The younger son's desire for self-expression led him far away from home and into ruin. It wasn't until he rejected his individualistic impulses that he was restored to his father.

In Mark 10:17-22, we encounter a wealthy young man who is eager to inherit eternal life but unwilling to give up his riches. His individualistic attachment to his wealth was a stumbling block to following Jesus, who told him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

In a world that screams "Express yourself!", it's easy to forget that we are just pilgrims passing through. As William Wilberforce once declared, "Our aim is not merely to serve the present age, but to invest in eternity."

J. Vernon McGee takes it a step further: "Don't shine so others can see you. Shine so that, through you, others can see Him."

N.T. Wright puts a cherry on top by stating, "The point of following Christ is not to become more like yourself, but to become more like Him."

So, next time someone advises you to "just be yourself," remember you're aiming for a far higher standard.

The next time the winds of Expressive Individualism blow your way, let the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer be your anchor: "When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die." Yes, it might sound grim, but it's a death that leads to true life.

Ah, and don't forget—Expressive Individualism might make a good Facebook status, but it makes for a terrible life status.

Remember, as Ravi Zacharias would say, "Jesus didn't come to make bad people good, but to make dead people alive." Now, that's a life worth expressing.

Stay blessed and Biblically sound.