I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ...
This past week both my kids went back to school. To pass the time I thought of baking some homemade cookies for them and some other kiddos that I know & love. When I taught I would make cookies or bring in fruit snacks with a special note for each student. I wanted them to know they were unique, cared about, and we were going to have an awesome year in learning. And, I prayed over each of those souls for the school year. As, their teacher I helped to encourage, counsel, and provide an atmosphere that was based on respect and kindness.
I'm the first to admit that my kids are gifts from God & help guide my path. This week I was reminded of that when I got home over the weekend. I had bought Dale some new shirts for school and two that I thought were ahh-mazing he took one look at and said, "Nope not gonna wear it" and gave them back. Why I asked him. He told me he refuses to wear a huge label across his chest and advertise for a company. He doesn't see the point of marketing to the masses and following the rest of the kids that wear that stuff and act like jerks.
I asked him what if it was another label and gave examples and asked what do those mean. He said to me, "Mom, they are labels that manufacturers make and market as cool. That doesn't mean it is. It's no different than any other shirt...they are the same. The difference is in who is wearing them. I'd rather not associate with any labels and just be who God made me. Does that make sense?". Ohhh, my goodness! What Dale meant was the only label he needs to know is that of Christ and walking with Him. And, this kid is 15....how does that happen? Dale knows Christ and realizes He is your label, status symbol, and basing your life on His.
Can I tell you how much I love that my 15 year old gets that concept? And, that he challenged his mom's view of what is cool, popular, or even worthy when it comes to clothing & life. I thought of Romans 12:1-21 and Paul. He was desperately trying to get the people to understand Christ as our Savior and our function with Him. He was trying to reach them that we are all one yet individuals. This took on a whole new meaning for me as my son challenged my follow the flock ideals of fashion & who I am this week.
God tells me "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ... " . That means that I'm part of God's posse right? I roll with him. I'm sure if Dale heard that he'd give me a look...wahahaha. But it's true. No matter where I've been or where I go I'm with Christ. And, because he's known me forever he created me not to fit in a "cookie cutter" image. We are all unique! Isn't that freeing to hear you are "unique"? As a kid "unique" meant being kooky, weird, or different....far from a "cookie cutter". But in Christ and through him that same girl that can be kooky & different can shine for Him. I love that!
As, for the cookies I delivered those to a handful of kids that I'm praying for this school year. I gave each of them a special scripture that I'll pray over them this month with an encouraging note. One of their moms thanked me and told me how special it was because people don't do things like that. I told her it wasn't me it was God. After all, God knows me, created me to do what is "good and acceptable" through him.
Can you imagine if we all did one of those smalls that God pushes us to do? Who are you making cookies for this week? That's a metaphor for the week. I challenge you to open up to the smalls that God puts on your heart & take action.
Peace be with each of you this week- Sherry
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