Be Who God Created You to Be

When I talk about how special each one of us is, I’m not talking about the way society sees us. We are not special just because we graduated from an Ivy League school and others find that impressive. Or that we’re excellent performers, own a successful business, or excel at pretty much whatever we put our minds to do.

I’m talking about the uniqueness with which we were created, the gifts, talents, and abilities that make up who we are.

Many of us get bogged down in life because we compare ourselves to others and fall short.

Instead of worrying about not being as great of a public speaker, as great of a writer, as smart, as compassionate, or as creative as someone else, we have to maximize what we have to offer. Think about what you’re good at, the unique traits that are hardwired in you. Think about what you love to do. Maybe you are a talented musician or athlete. You may have a unique way of teaching others or great communication skills. You may be compassionate, charismatic, or an amazing host. You might be a strategic thinker, skilled at building things, or creative.

Instead of wanting to be like someone else, make the most of your talents.

The Bible teaches us that as each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Use what He has given you. Hone your skills. Work on them. Don’t let them waste away. Whether it’s singing, speaking, serving, teaching, working with numbers, or cooking, use it to make an impact on this world. Oftentimes, when we get stuck playing the comparison game, we let our God-given gifts and abilities lie dormant.

My friend Judah says, “The Christian faith is about living life with an open hand, using the gifts and blessings in our lives for others. Like a conveyor belt, we simply get to touch the blessings and the gifts as they keep moving out toward others. We are blessed to be a blessing. When we stop the flow, the blessings stop.” Don’t hold on to your gifts. Share them. Use them to serve. Use them to aim above the status quo and make a difference.

Don’t strive to be like someone else. Be who God created you to be. Be you.

One more thing. Let God be God. Allow Him to use what you bring to Him however He chooses. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big. I do this all the time! But how God ultimately orchestrates the plan of your life through these gifts is up to Him. You might love basketball and play the game well, but you might not be the next LeBron James. Work on your gifts and talents in a way that challenges you. Don’t compare your skill level to anyone else. When we do this, sometimes it makes us want to give up. I hear this all the time: “If I can’t be the best at something, why bother?” Why bother practicing the piano if I’m never going to make it into Julliard? Why bother writing if my book will never hit the New York Times Best Sellers list?

It’s okay to want to be the best, but it’s more important to want to be your best. I promise you this: God will use your giftings and abilities in His way and for His plan. It might be to influence one person or one million. Rather than focus on trying to figure out or influence how He will make it happen, focus on Him.

For weekly encouragement and inspiration, text me at (904) 441-5450