Displaying Your Uniqueness for God’s Glory

Gold Brush Stroke

God didn’t create me to act or look like someone else, but I’m often tempted to do just that. 

The other day I had to take the kids into school and run a couple quick errands before meeting my mother at our house. As I ran around, my mind kept skipping to Mom getting to my house before me.

How did I leave it? How is she seeing it? How does my home present to her?

The Deeper Issue

Now I”m not a neat-pin and my mom wouldn’t be bothered by my mess, but there was a deeper issue I kept circling around to. Something that bugged me even more than leaving behind a sink full of dirty dishes.

The issue plaguing me involved the core of who I am. My acceptance of how God made me.

Do I try to hide my personality, looks, gifts—even in my home—or do I welcome the package that is me?

Would Mom see evidence in my home of the girl God created or a generic image of what someone else says is fashionable and stylish?

Does my living space represent my love for God, family, and nature or someone else’s giftedness?

In other words, am I masking the real me in the way I present myself inside and outside of my house?

unique-you-

Hiding Our Uniqueness

Why are we often loathe to present our true selves?

Too often we hide our own uniqueness and try to be like someone else. We feel the other person is wittier, wiser, or more winsome. We feel we lack something of worth, so we take on the persona of another individual.

I see it in the writing world all the time (and have experienced the pull myself to write in a successful author’s style instead of finding my own.)

There’s nothing wrong with incorporating aspects of someone else’s style or habits if you like their style or could benefit from the new habit. And we can all learn from others. 

But often we emulate another person because we believe it’ll somehow make us more acceptable.

Acceptable? To whom?

God has already accepted us. He paid for each of us just the way we are, with the very blood of His Son. We don’t have to pretend with Him.

Embracing Our Uniqueness

The Lord made each of us in His image, but He set us apart as unique persons with individual preferences and gifts.

Stuffing your uniqueness so deep it never shows is like telling God He made a mistake in how He created you.

Stuffing your uniqueness so deep it never shows is like telling God He made a mistake in how He created you. Share on X

Now I’m not saying there isn’t room for improvement in each of our lives. And we all should welcome God’s transforming work in our lives.

But our individuality is a gift. It should be embraced not masked. (see 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:3-8)

So,

  • Take a closer look at your house.
  • Peruse your wardrobe.
  • Look deep into the mirror.
  • List your hobbies and activities, including how you serve.
  • Examine how you spend your money.

What do you see? Do you see the you God created or the image of another person?

Your worth in God’s eyes lies in being His child not in the way you present yourself.

Your individuality is a gift. It should be embraced not masked. Your worth in God's eyes lies in being His child not in the way you present yourself. Share on X

He loves you enough to be aware of every hair on your head—the cowlick, the thinning, the graying—and he rejoices in the you He created.

Be that child.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14

Reflection: How can God use your uniqueness in His kingdom work?

Since beginning nearly 3 years ago, I’ve counted more than 3,000 gifts in Ann Voskamp’s Joy Dare! What a blessing! So here we go: #3219–3239, read the entire list by clicking here.
  • Day’s schedule sabotaged, which turned out to be rejuvenating; My marriage; Wrestling with Joey 
  • Rachel’s loud “goofy” laughs, can’t help but smile; Fraudulent charges on our account being removed; Sun glinting off brilliantly colored leaves
  • Spending the day with three fun-loving ladies: Mom and two of her sisters; A ride on Uncle Paul’s 4-wheeler; Exploring and chronicling family history
  • Sleeping in this morning; The best Raspberry-Rhubarb for lunch; Listening to long-ago stories about Grandma and Grandpa C.
  • Time today to just visit with Mom; Going with friends to a couple’s retreat at a bed and breakfast; Time away to focus on and strengthen our marriage 
  • Laughter & fellowship w/ friends at marriage retreat; Meeting up w/ hubby’s sister & bro-in-law; Surprised to celebrate our 25th anniversary early w/ friends & family
  • Amazing week and weekend of sitting, eating, talking, loving, and laughing; Seeing Dan and Zach via Skype; Rachel’s excitement (i.e., squeeling their names over and over) at “seeing” her older bros
By His Grace,

Julie

2 Comments

  1. Cecelia Lester (Quiet Spirit) on October 21, 2014 at 12:43 pm

    God has blessed me with a style that speaks of comfort and practicality. I try to mix and match my wardrobe to gain the most use of what I wear. I find myself able to listen to others more than in the past.

    • Julie Sunne on October 21, 2014 at 3:18 pm

      Wonderful, Cecelia. Sounds like you are embracing the “you” God created.

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Julie Sunne

Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.

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