The Importance of Being Who We Truly Are
I’ve noticed that there is a pressure people feel to be something other than themselves. Maybe you’ve felt this as you wished for your body to be a smaller size, hoped to be outgoing and the life of the party, or desired to master a skill set that would allow you to have a more interesting job. In reality, the list is endless of ways we wish we were different or areas in which we could improve (and we can and should always seek to grow, improve and move away from our sin). However, there is no need to change who we truly are at our core and completely reinvent ourselves because every single one of us has been so carefully created in the image of God.
What an amazing thought - the Creator of all things, the heavens and the earth, made you and me exactly the way He wants us to be. God has created us in His image, He has made us on purpose and for a purpose, and He intricately designed us in a specific way so that we can go out as His ambassador and help build His Kingdom through the different talents and traits that He gave to each of us.
I want to let you know that it is okay to be different from everyone else. There are times when differences can seem isolating or overwhelming because you just can’t quite seem to fit into that group of which you want to be a part. But consider: if we were all the same, what good would that do?
All individuals have special gifts, talents, perspectives, experiences, and characteristics that make us who we are and allow a unique aspect of God to be reflected to others through us. Hold on to the things that make you who you are at the core because if we fall into the trap of changing to earn the praise and acceptance of the people of this world, then we are not walking in the image in which God intended for us to walk.
To grow, learn and achieve what God intends for us, we need all sorts of people with a wide range of talents and experiences coming together. Don’t be ashamed of your individual talents and attributes but rather regard them with a humble confidence knowing that your Lord and Savior intended you to be this way on purpose. If you are reading and wondering what exactly it is that makes you special - think of what excites you and what pulls at your heart. Talk to your close friends, family, community group or mentor because oftentimes those with whom we’ve developed strong, Christ-centered relationships can help us navigate and realize our unique gifts.
Trust in and seek God’s plan for your life, down to the thoughtful way He created you to reflect His image, and look for ways that He wants to utilize those special gifts He gave to you. Through displaying kindness, forgiveness and joy, the people who encounter your interactions will be able to experience the unique love and character of our Father that He chose to display in you.