“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
– Psalm 139:14
Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote Treasure Island among other literary works, once made the statement, “I have been to church today and I’m not depressed.” Unfortunately, this famous quote provides a rather sad insight into how the brilliant author viewed the majority of corporate worship services. In a similar vein, the great Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “I might have entered the ministry if certain clergymen I knew had not looked and acted so much like undertakers.” Sadly, he was not alone in his assessment of Christians. Although we have every reason to live abundantly and vibrantly, too many of us spend too much of our lives trying to conform to someone else’s mold. Rather than embracing the quirky, salty, and unique individuals we are, we find our identity in pleasing people and in positioning ourselves to look like we think they want us to. There is no need for this, however, because we’re branches connected to the True Vine, and no two are exactly alike. We’re each made to be one-of-a-kind, and the sooner we own that fact, the more blessed and peaceful we’ll be. Our Heavenly Father has given all of us an inimitable purpose, and we can only fulfill it when we learn to cherish, accept, and love ourselves like He does. My friend, Jesus has set you free to be yourself! You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you don’t have to hide behind anyone else’s expectations. By the power of the Gospel, you are welcomed and embraced just as you are, and if you never do another thing, that fact won’t change. Starting today, you can stop working hard to meet the approval of those you barely know and start enjoying the life you live. You were divinely-designed by the Creator of all, and He is crazy about YOU — the one He loved perfectly before the world began. |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for setting me free to be my authentic self. I believe that I’m loved just as I am, and I ask for your help to live in that truth.
Reflection
Is the real you the one you project to others? Why or why not?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Yes most definitely.I believe that.In spite of all my flaws and imperfections.It is what is deep within me that other people see.I don’t have to worry about anything.else.I know that my Aspberger’s Syndrome is a gift, And that God has given me this gift to
use to the best of my ability.I want to show people that they can do good things for themselves and also for their own communities.If more and more people were like that. Our World will be a better place.God loves everybody.No matter whether they have a disability or not.It is within their own mind to know what great things can be accomplished. They can be scientists and researchers looking for new ways to find cures for diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Or running for political office such as Governor or President. There is so much potential out there. If they would just let the Holy Spirit guide their hearts and minds into using whatever gifts and talents that were given. Our World will be all the more richer because of this one great notion.Love to all at Hour of Power and Shepherd’s Grove