Scared To Be KnownSample

By Matt Hayes

Can you think of someone you aspire to be like? We can usually think of someone. While it’s healthy to learn from those we admire, it’s dangerous to envy their stories. The temptation can creep in with statements like, “If only I were more like him,” or, “If only I had what she has.” I thought I needed to be like my leader to realize my aspirations in life, because, after all, he was where I wanted to be.

Then I realized something about God: he has never made a mistake. Not once has he said, “Well, I messed that one up!” For six days in the story of creation, God made everything out of nothing, and each day ends with, “And God saw that it was good.” It was good! All of it. Everything! And here’s the best news—God created you!

So, when God fashioned you in the womb, he knew what he was doing. Your personality, your wiring, your talents, and your story are all unique to you. If God desired for you to be someone else, you would be. 

It’s easy to wish we had someone else’s life, but our identity comes from knowing how God sees us. And when God looks at you, he says, “You are mine and you are good!” In other words, BE YOU!

Questions for Reflection:

1. When you think of others, do you get caught in the comparison trap of wishing you were like them?

2. Ask God to show you one way that he made you unique: your talents, your gifts, your quirks . . . because he didn’t make a mistake with you.

3. Read the creation story in Genesis 1 to see God’s consistent response to what he creates after each day.