Individuality

READY

“So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.” —Genesis 1:27

SET

As a young skateboarder thumbing through the magazine pages of Thrasher and Transworld Skateboarding, certain individuals and their styles would catch my eye. I would analyze the photographs of these certain skaters. Look at the position of their feet and hands and try to imagine the motion on that skateboard. Then, when videos came out with these individuals skating, not only would their original style show through, but also their individuality and creativity. Skateboarders have always been unique individuals, set apart from the norm. And then there are those within skateboarding who are set apart from the norm within skate culture.

The Legendary Pro Mark Gonzales has always been and probably will always be one of those unique individuals. I have always been intrigued by Mark, not just by his skateboarding ability or his art, but by his unique eccentric personality. I look at Mark, and I see this wonderful reality of a man. He might not realize it, but his life shows forth truth and significance. What do I mean? When I look at Mark, I see a man who is made in the image of God. If our world began from some impersonal energy plus mass plus motion plus chance, then how can we explain personality and the uniqueness of every person in this world? Just look at the creativity of skateboarders. Creativity marks the truth about a person.

So, if we start with a personal beginning, God (the Creator), in the beginning of time, made man in His image. That is where individuality and personality point us to the answer to meaning and existence. So, when I look at Mark, I see a man made with purpose, significance, and uniqueness, just as our Lord.

You and I are the same; our lives have significance. The wonderful truths that we find from God’s Word should cause us to clearly understand individuality and the significance of a life. And with that recognition comes a personal responsibility as a Christian to live a life of praise to God. Today, may you recognize the significance and impact of your life. Allow God’s Word to edify you in knowing these wonderful truths. In this world influenced by one emotional view or another, there is only one philosophic answer to existence, to being, to individuality, only one... God created you! Not only that, but the greatest example of individuality is also found in the person of Jesus Christ. May His life continue to impact yours in such a way that your individuality shows forth His Truth that draws others into knowing Him!

GO

• What are some ways you can glorify God through the significance of your life?
• Are there areas of your life that hinder you from making an impact for Him?
• Do you view other competitors with significance? If not, how is God challenging you to view others?

WORKOUT

Matthew 5:16

OVERTIME

“Lord, help me to realize more, that You are the Author of my life and therefore my life has significance. Help me to rest in knowing this. As I seek You, teach me through Your Word to live a life that can make an impact on those around me. A life of significance, pleasing and praise to you. ”In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Jon Crans is director of ThreeSixteen Skate Ministry. Jon has been in Action Sports ministry since 1998. Serving full-time with Christian Surfers from 1998-2005 and ThreeSixteen Skateboarding from 2005 to the present. Jon, his wife Sarah and 4 kids live in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA.