Unique v24n20

Unique!

V24 n20

Psalms 8:4-6, 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: KJV

Have you ever wondered or contemplated why you are so special to God? Who are you, that God is mindful of you?

It is hard for the carnal man and the physical mind to comprehend the love that God has for His creation, mankind. (William's New Testament; 1 Corinthians 2:14 An unspiritual man does not accept the things that the Spirit of God teaches, for they are nonsense to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are appreciated by spiritual insight.)

At many times, we will not only criticize others, but many times one will even belittle themselves. One will read the scriptures “that God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son”, yet will one really grasp that love and the depth within that which it is spoken and applied?

How and why did God create man?

Gen 1:26, And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: (KJV)

[And God said, Let us make man] It is evident that God intends to impress the mind of man with a sense of something extraordinary in the formation of his body and soul when he introduces the account of his creation thus, Let US make man. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

[In our image, after our likeness] What is said above refers only to the body of man, what is here said refers to his soul. This was made in the image and likeness of God. Now, as the Divine Being is infinite, he is neither limited by parts, nor definable by passions; therefore he can have no corporeal image after which he made the body of man. The image and likeness must necessarily be intellectual, his mind, his soul, must have been formed after the nature and perfections of his God. The human mind is still endowed with most extraordinary capacities, it was more so when issuing out of the hands of its Creator. God was now producing a spirit, and a spirit, too, formed after the perfections of his own nature. God is the fountain whence this spirit issued, hence, the stream must resemble the spring which produced it. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

In our image ([selem]), after our likeness ([demut]). Though these two synonyms have separate meanings, there is here seemingly no effort to present different aspects of God's being. It is clear that man, as God made him, was distinctly different from the animals already created. He stood on a much higher plateau, for God created him to be immortal, and made him a special image of His own eternity. Man was a creature with whom his Maker could visit and have fellowship and communion. On the other hand, the Lord could expect man to answer him and be responsible to him. Man was constituted to have the privilege of choice, even to the point of disobeying his Creator. (from Wycliffe Commentary)

God created man in Their image, and after Their likeness. Yet, quite often, one tries to understand or relate to God in and on their physical or carnal understanding. God is a Spirit, and those that worship Him, must worship or fellowship with Him in Spirit and in truth; this is the fellowship or worship that God seeks with mankind. It is the eyes of man’s understanding which needs to be enlightened, in order to comprehend the relationship God wants to have with His children.

Each of us as an individual, since no two of us are alike, represent a unique and special aspect or facet of God. Each Christian makes up a unique part of the body of Christ, and as such has a specific task to which they are called upon to fulfil. Yet, how often is it that we are more concerned with that which someone else is doing; and in observing them, try to imitate them, rather then, or instead of being an imitator of Christ?

1 Cor 12:12, For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (KJV)

As a part of the body of Christ, then that means that one has available to them, all that is necessary for them, to carry out that which God may ask of them. How often does one really believe that they have been blessed with “all” spiritual blessings, by, through and in Christ Jesus? (1Cor 1:24,30, Eph 1:3) If it were not so, how could Jesus Christ have said, that you would do the works that He did; and you would also do greater works then Him. (John 14:12) Do you believe this? Have you really heard that which He has spoken to you, the believer?

So then, just as each Christian represents a unique and necessary facet of God, so then too, each believer, each member of the body of Christ is able to speak or present a unique explanation of God’s Word. Yet, how often is it that one will predetermine who they will listen to? Or, how often is it that one will think that which they have to share, is of little or no importance?

Col 4:2-6, 2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (KJV)

We are not to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. (Rom 1:16) Yet, how often does one have confidence in the work which He has begun within them? (Phil 1:6) Are you confident enough to present that unique facet of God, which He has revealed to you and in you? (1Tim 4:12)

How often when the Word is being shared or taught, and other people share their insights, are you quick to try to hear or understand that which they see and hear? Or, do you use what was shared or taught to give you a clearer insight into what God wants to speak to you, or show to you?

You have to keep in mind how special that you are to God. He has given you a perspective of Him, that is totally unique to you. Many want to hide this light under the bushel; yet the Lord told us to let our light shine. (Matthew 5:14-16) What will you do with this uniqueness that God has made available to you?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka