“Train up a child in keeping with his individual gift or bent.” Proverbs 22:6 Amplified Bible
My thoughts today are about being “remarkably original.”
Today the World Population Clock estimates the world’s population to be 6.87 billion people, and among all of that number, you are unique, a remarkable original. Now, that’s amazing! There are no two persons whose fingerprints are identical! During the worst of blizzards and in the deepest of snowdrifts, there are no two snowflakes alike. And children, even from the same family, though similar are never exactly the same. Each individual has a singular and identifiable DNA that differentiates and distinguishes him or her apart from all others.
You are definably unique – remarkably handmade and custom designed by God! Read Psalm 139:13-16 NIV. Temperaments vary. Abilities differ. Interests are unique. Personalities are distinctive. Aptitudes are individual. Assignments are diverse. God’s limitless creativity made you that way, altogether unique, remarkably original. Imagine a God who can do that!
By divine design, you are “one of a kind.” There is no one anywhere who is exactly what you are. God must have had a reason to do this way beyond “just because He could.” Here’s why all this matters. I think uniqueness means that God has something for you to be and do, which no one else can do as you will, for which you are especially purposed and divinely prepared; it is critical that you dedicate yourself to God’s calling and gifting because there is no one else who can fill your place in His world except you.
Parents, teachers, pastors, and friends – anyone in Godly authority – have a responsibility to study you carefully and handle you wisely, to help you discover how you are unique, and why God has made you so. Then you can learn to value and celebrate how God has made you, and use what God has given you for the good of others. You compliment your Creator by striving to become the best that you can be, for the glory of God. “You are not your own, therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20.
As it relates to a work of art, every copy made is worth substantially less than the original from which it was copied. God made you an original; some people are willing to be copies. Don’t devalue yourself by trying to be exactly like anyone else, nor how anyone else wants you to be. You are already have a Creator; you don’t need an amateur wanna-be messing it up. Doesn’t it seem ironic that people either try to be poor copies of others, or attempt to be different from everyone else, often in the most bizarre of ways?
Be yourself! Be yourself in the wonderful way that God made you, in His image and likeness. A couple of years ago, the Army recruited young men and women by challenging them, “Be all that you can be.” That’s a worthy goal that will serve you for a lifetime.
My prayer for you today is: that you find joy in what God is working to do with your life.