We live in a crazy time. A crazy world.
Despite Election Day being past us, things still feel as unsettled as ever. The anger, hostility and divisiveness on display is truly heartbreaking. And before you start to worry, no, this isn’t a political post; I’m not picking on one side or the other, I just mean people in general.
We, as a human race, have forgotten how to be civil with each other.
The ability to agree to disagree has become a lost art form.
Granted, there are certain issues where we all need to speak up against wrong and do it boldly – but boldly never means harshly.
Hatefully.
Spitefully.
Or by resorting to name calling.
And that feels like what it’s come down to.
It makes me sad – especially as a mom – when I think about the world that my children will be growing up in.
I’m not saying this as a doom and gloom, “the sky is falling!” post. My job as a parent is clear.
I’ve been entrusted with teaching these sweet little stubborn souls that even when life is uncertain, we can have total and complete trust in the One who holds the future.
Also, I have a mandate to teach them how we are to live.
“Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.”
Ephesian 4:32
We are called to live lives that exemplify love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – to name just a few qualities (Gal. 5:22).
Differences shouldn’t be ignored – they should be noticed and enjoyed.
Not as better or worse, just different – and that’s OK. Actually, it’s better than OK, it’s the way God designed it to be.
I want my children to grow up in awe of the amazing God who created so many different peoples, yet said that each one is made in His own image.
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27
As an image bearer, each person is endowed with specific value. Specific strengths. Talents.
For you created my inmost being;
Psalm 139:13-14
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Sure, we each have the same fundamental need for food, shelter, relationships (albeit to varying degrees).
But beyond that, God gifted some with amazing abilities to create music, art, literature. Brains that understand mathematics, medicine, science and space.
Some exemplify kindness, patience, generosity to a level that, for others, is hard to imagine. Some have an ability to and love of teaching others. Some, a heart that cares for others coupled with a willingness to put that care into action.
Some are born with a sense of humor, others, with an innate desire to push every boundary known to man.
So, no. We’re not all the same. We’re different. Thankfully. Just think how boring that would be.
I believe God has a specific calling, purpose and role for each person.
It’s my hope that, rather than getting lost or hung up on the differences and trying to figure out how or why someone can possibly have a different viewpoint that us, we take a step back and remember that underneath the packaging of nature and nurture, we have one very big thing in common:
We are all made in the image of our amazing God.
Click here if you want to read more about what that means.
The Mijs Life 