Free To Be Me

As I sat behind my desk at work this morning, God laid something very heavily on my heart. Have you ever compared yourself to someone and felt you could never measure up to them? I've really been struggling with this lately. It quickly becomes frustrating trying to model someone else's life in Christ. My good intentions to be like my other Christian friends simply left me feeling inadequate. And like a light bulb, it went off in my head this morning--God designed each one of us differently!

Deuteronomy 14:2 says, You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure."

Let's define what it means to be "set apart." The dictionary defines it this way: to keep something for a specific use or purpose. So look back at the Scripture above. God has set us apart for a chosen position.

I may not be at a point in my life where I am able to travel the world for mission work like my parents or lead a youth group like some of my friends (although I pray that God will one day open the door for me to do so), but I am now more confident than ever that it is not what we do that sets us apart--it is how much we allow the Holy Spirit to live through us that truly sets us apart.

We can also define set apart as living differently than the world lives so God's character can be seen through you. This does not mean to try and form into a "Christian clone" lacking originality. Think about this: Paul was set apart to be a prophet, David (a shepherd boy) was set apart to be a king, fisherman Peter was set apart to be a disciple, and Mary was set apart to give birth to the Son of God. These individuals never tried to be set apart with their own strengths. They simply answered God's call when He called them.

I have challenged myself (and I challenge you as well) to begin desiring to be set apart for God's purpose more than wanting to conform into a man-made mold.

Psalm 4:3 says, "The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to Him."

It is time that we become more concerned about our witness and personal walk with God. In His timing, He will help us finish the work that we were sent here to do.

I want to leave you with this verse: "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world."-Jeremiah 1:5

It is not our perfection that sets us apart...It is His perfection that stands out in our lives!

I love this song by Francesca Battistelli: "Free to Be Me." Take a listen, and let these be things that will set you apart and set you on the path of your God-given purpose!

Stay tuned...

B