Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly

Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly

Saint Francis de Sales, a 16th-century bishop and Doctor of the Church, is known for his teachings on spiritual growth and living a life of holiness. One of his most famous quotes is, “Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.” This quote encapsulates his belief in the importance of authenticity and striving for personal excellence in all aspects of life.

Saint Francis de Sales believed that each person is uniquely created by God with specific gifts, talents, and qualities. He emphasized the importance of embracing one’s true self and not trying to be someone else. By accepting and embracing who we are, we can fully live out our purpose and fulfill the unique mission that God has for us.

At the same time, Saint Francis de Sales also recognized the importance of striving for perfection in all that we do. He believed that we should constantly seek to improve ourselves and grow in virtue. By striving for perfection, we can become the best version of ourselves and more fully reflect the image of God.

In the context of Saint Francis de Sales’ teachings, “Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly” can be seen as a call to authenticity and excellence. It is a reminder to embrace our true selves and live out our unique identity, while also striving for personal growth and holiness.

This quote challenges us to resist the temptation to compare ourselves to others or to try to be someone we are not. Instead, we are called to be true to ourselves and to fully embrace the person that God created us to be. By doing so, we can live a life of authenticity, purpose, and fulfillment.