Unique

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27 ESV). Over the years as I have watched my twin grandchildren, Faith and Logan, grow and develop, I have noticed them become two very different children. One is not “better” than the other. They just have different personalities and gifts. They are unique, just as all of us are unique. There is a story told of a man who died and met Saint Peter at the pearly gates. Realizing Saint Peter was a wise and knowledgeable person, he said, "Saint Peter, I have been interested in military history for many years. Tell me who was the greatest general of all times?" Saint Peter quickly responded, "Oh, that's a simple question. It is that man right over there," as he pointed nearby. The man said, "You must be mistaken, Saint Peter. I knew that man on earth. He was just a common laborer." "That's right, my friend," replied Saint Peter. "But he would have been the greatest general of all time, if he had been a general." Our reading this morning comes from the very beginning of time. It is the heart of God’s design in Creation. He never intended to create people with identical characteristics and gifts. We are all created unique with abilities designed to best fulfill a specific purpose. That purpose is intended to bring us happiness and joy. I wonder if you have found that purpose? You were created with natural abilities and an internal compass that guides you toward a particular focus for your life. That's only the starting point; the next step is yours. You have an obligation to expand that potential to its ultimate destiny. Michelangelo said, "It is only well with me when I have a chisel in my hand." Discover what you are supposed to do and do it! Thomas Carlyle said, “A man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder—a waif, a nothing, a no man. Have a purpose in life, and, having it, throw such strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you.” Whatever it is God has given you to be, do it with your whole heart. Whatever God has given you to be with, use it with your whole heart. You are unique and therefore wonderful!