I don’t think we’re designed by God to be like one another in our personalities or the things we passionately pursue. Yes, I believe we are all made in the image of God... BUT, we are designed to be different, to go after different kinds of dreams, to have different hobbies, to see things from different perspectives. We’re created to desire different things, to be drawn to different ways of living and to seek after different kinds of experiences. I really believe that it is these very differences that make it interesting to spend time together. It is what makes being friends refreshing and rewarding. But to enjoy this blessing, we have to let go of the desire to conform people into our own image. There is a real danger when we start to conform so much into the ‘corporate image’ of how everyone around us is, that we actually lose touch with who we really are. We start to listen to the same kind of music, do the same activities and use the same words and phrases that everyone around us is using. It’s hard to embrace and celebrate your uniqueness when others want you to be something else–sadly, something a little closer to themselves. Your image is beautiful. But it is yours, not mine, and not anyone else’s, and that’s the way it’s meant to be. When we can simply accept people for who they are, we can participate in beautiful and refreshing friendships. But when we expect people to change, to be more like ourselves, then we can never truly connect with anyone, because we are not looking for individuals to celebrate life with, but candidates we think can be molded into an image closer to our own. Don’t be scared of those who are different than you, who believe different, live different, see the world different – these people are a blessing from God. If we can overcome our desire to conform people into our own image, we can enjoy the joy of life on a far greater scale. In 2015 I want my life to be about loving others for who they are and not who I think they should become. Love conquers all.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 02:02:18 +0000