Monday, November 8, 2010

One of a Kind



Dozens of varieties. I didn't realize there were so many different types of apples. My husband and I stood in the middle of Mercier's country store, trying to decide what apples to choose. With so many choices, we decided to read the placards posted about each variety. There were apples for baking. Apples ideal for sauces. And apples for just plain snacking. Each appeared to be a quality specimen, hand-picked from the orchard and ready for consumption.


With our selections made, we headed home to sample the luscious fruit. True to the description, the Pink Lady was a firm, sweet apple, good for eating and great for cooking. The Staymen was a bit tangy and was recommended for baking, although it was also delicious for snacking. We chose the Cameo for juicing and also found it to have a sweet, spicy flavor when cooked with raisins and just a dash of cinnamon. Delicious! The final variety we selected were traditional Granny Smith apples. Something about the tangy tartness of this apple in a pie just can't be beat.


Although all of them were apples that shared many of the same characteristics, each was cultivated with unique qualities. The same is true for each one of us. Our Creator designed us to have similarities, yet each of us is one of a kind. God made mankind special. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them," (Genesis 1:27; KJV). The Psalmist David acknowledged the wonder of God's design, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well," (Psalm 139:14).


Each one of us is created with talents and abilities that reflect the Master Designer. To one is given the ability to paint beautiful pictures. To another is given the gift to build. Yet another plays music with inordinate talent. And the list goes on. Boasting in our abilities is unwise. Any talent we possess is a gift from the Creator, and should be used to make Him known.


Throughout the centuries, God's plan has remained the same - to draw all men unto Himself to spend eternity with Him (John 12:32). He wisely equips each one of us to reach those in our sphere of influence. It is our privilege to use the talents and abilities He's given, to point others to Him. King David was a gifted musician, who skillfully set the thoughts of his heart to music, "O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds," (Psalm 108:1-4).


Praising God puts the focus where it needs to be: on our Heavenly Father. Using the abilities that He's given me, I choose to give Him the honor and glory He deserves today. In the process, I'll be pointing others to the Creator!



What talents and abilities do you have? How will you use them to glorify God and draw others to Him?


Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the diversity in Your creation! Thank You that You created each one of us in Your image, giving us unique talents and abilities. Show me how to make the best use of the gifts You've given me to make You known to those around me. May the people of all nations be drawn to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

13 comments:

  1. I like the lists of gifts in the NT. God has gifted us in different ways so that in some way we are all necessary and valuable to the health of the body (a family, church or work place). Some encourage, some lead, some serve, etc. If one person could do it all, he/she wouldn't need anyone else. We really all do have a place, and that is part of God's plan. Good post.

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  2. Warren - Thanks for stopping by! You're absolutely right! Each of us plays a specific role, and each one is necessary to the body of Christ. God's plan is perfect! Have a great week & God bless you!

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  3. This is a great reminder! Thanks, Maria!

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  4. I pray He uses my words, whether spoken or written.

    ~ Wendy

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  5. He gave me the ability to sing, so I use it in our church choir. I hope He is glorified in the way I use the talents He gave me.

    Beautiful post. Thank you.

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  6. Currently leading a ladies' bible study group. I'm not a bible scholar by any means but I'm available and just want Him to do His work.

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  7. Love the photo and the comparison! I pray the Lord would use my writing for His glory. It's all in vain if we haven't been walking with Him.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  8. Fun post. We are all different apples, aren't we? I guess I'd be a honeycrisp. A dash of tart with the sweet and always crisp!

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  9. Kristen- Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words! Have a great week! :)

    Wendy - So good to see you! I share a similar prayer as yours. Have a blessed week! :)

    Lily - Welcome back! It's so good to see your smiling face! Hoping all is well with you! Great to hear that you're using your talent to sing, for the Lord. Have a beautiful week, my friend!

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  10. Diana - So good to see you! It's great to hear about the different gifts God has equipped people with. I'm sure your Bible study is a blessing to those who attend! Have a great week and God bless!

    Karen - Thank you for the sweet words of encouragement! Sounds like we share a common prayer. And you're absolutely right that we have to be plugged into the Source in order to have something to give! God bless! :)

    Jill - Love your take on this! I like your comparison with the honeycrisp! They're one of my favorite types of apple! Have a wonderful week and God bless you! :)

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  11. Hi Maria -

    Great analogy! Red Delicious apples are my favorite.

    Each of us has a unique place in the Body of Christ. He's called me as a writer and teacher. I pray my words will encourage others to draw closer to Him.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  12. Great reminder Maria. I know that the Lord is using me to bring others to Him through some very tough trials I have gone through over the past year and a half. I have a wonderful testimony and I love sharing!
    I loved your photo and the way you used the comparison!You are a blessing.
    Hugs

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  13. Susan - Appreciate your words of encouragement and my prayer is very similar to yours! God bless you, my friend, as you write and teach for Him! (I love the way the Lord uses the simple things in life to teach us life lessons!). Have a blessed week! :)

    Linda - Thanks for your sweet words of encouragement, friend! I'm glad you allowed your trials to draw you closer to the Lord. I'd love to hear/read your testimony! Praying for a 'fruitful' week for you! :) God bless!

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