Just Be You!

When I was a child, my mother used to laugh at my quirkiness. She would say, “Oh my…you are the only one of your kind!”It was from the lyrics of an old Gaither family song. It said, in part, “God made you special; you’re the only one of your kind”. 

The same is true for you. God made you unique and special. Set apart to do great things for Him and for His kingdom!

The world is loud. Surely the addition of social media and hand-held computers (also known as phones) just adds to the information overload many of us subject ourselves to daily. Yes, the world is often screaming like a rebellious toddler, demanding our attention, whether positive or negative. It doesn’t much care which one, as long as it’s getting air time in our hearts and minds.

But God often speaks in a whisper, (for some of us in the wee hours of the morning). His voice is gentle and kind, yet it also corrects and guides. Other times, we think it’s a whisper, when in fact, it’s quite loud, but it’s competing with all the other noise. Just like with everything else, God is a gentleman; He never forces us to listen, obey, or choose Him. Though He is so worthy of all praise, affection, and attention, He never bulldozes His way into our lives. He patiently waits for us to listen, acknowledge, and receive Him and to incline our ears to Him. 

Jesus, who was God in the flesh, understood the need to be alone with God. The Bible is clear that Jesus managed the noise of His time well, by moving away from His disciples, praying and listening to His Father one on one.. We should follow His example, especially in our chaotic, over-stimulating culture! 

God created you on purpose for a specific purpose. The best way to find out what that purpose is is to get closer to the purpose giver. As you listen for God’s direction, He will guide you in a way that is unique to your personality and special traits and gifts He has given you. 

Think about something that comes naturally to you (other than sin, which is, sadly, easy for all of us). Are you a natural at balancing the books? Giving wise counsel? Blessing others by engaging in meaningful, thought-provoking conversations? What about cooking or cleaning? What are you patient about and gifted in? Then ask God how He wants you to use those gifts to bless others and bring Him glory and honor and to point others to Him! We all have something to contribute to a hurting world around us. 

One more thing, in case you’re thinking you don’t have what it takes or that your life is too messed up, please know that being messed up is what makes us relatable to others! Messes happen. We live in a broken world and, as such, there will be conflict. Sin. Pain will be inflicted–by us and on us. Yes, there will be suffering. How we deal with it all though, can be a powerful witness to the power and might of the awesome God we serve! It also keeps us humble. Those who have not experienced major hurt often have a hard time relating to the pain of others. If that’s you, pray that God would soften your heart and give you more compassion and empathy for those around you who are hurting. 

Let’s pray: Lord, thank you that you each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, in Your image. Please give us an appreciation and a sense of responsibility for how we steward our gifts to reach others for Your Kingdom! Father, You alone are worthy of all our praise and devotion. Give us hearts like Yours. May we love what you love and hate what you hate. Mold us more and more into the image of Jesus Christ each and every day. Amen.