Recently, my oldest child joined AWANA. For those of you unfamiliar with this program, it encourages children to memorize Scripture while at the same time playing games and learning more about God. One of her Bible verses was Psalm 139:14a – “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (ESV). Although I have heard this verse countless times, it took on a new meaning when I heard it out of the mouth of my three-year old because as I have matured, I have realized the beauty of this truth, and how few people actually embrace it.
Part of what it means to be “fearfully and wonderfully made” is that God has given us unique talents, skills and opportunities. He has not made you to be someone different; instead He has formed you to be who He intended for the purposes of His Kingdom. He desires to use you in a way that He doesn’t intend to use anyone else. Ephesians 2:10 says that He has planned out the “good works” that we are to do. This means that my job is not the same as yours. And just as He has created you “fearfully and wonderfully” for what He has called you to do, so He has created me. We are different partly because God intends to use us in different ways.
Of course the temptation is to compare assignments and capabilities, giving truth to the old saying “the grass is always greener on the other side.” We may look at the family of God and wish that we had someone else’s role. But imagine what an affront that must be to God! He has given us the privilege to be used by Him – and equipped us to His work – and yet we want to argue over who gets the better gig.
Instead, may we all rejoice that God has gifted us in unique and purposeful ways. And may we use what He has given us for His Kingdom’s purposes. That others may know Him more, and that His name may be praised.