You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,~Romans 5:6-8.

What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ ~Isaiah 45:9.

Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago,~Ephesians 2:9-10.

For most of my life I’ve battled with the way God created me. Yes, it’s true. My personality is one of the rarest types for a woman. I had several tests as a child and adult. It’s found in only 0.8 percent of the female population. My brain is quite logical. I want things and people to make sense. I also use both sides of my brain equally, which lends to hours lost in creative thought. I’m very direct, pretty transparent, confident about what I can do and about what I don’t know. I want to learn as much as possible and share it with as many people as possible. I spend hours each day thinking, pondering, and analyzing. I don’t draw energy from being with people. I am energized by being alone. Is this a blessing or a curse?

Well, my parents noticed I had little to no interest in toys, tv, or other kids. A little concerning for them. I’d spend hours with books, note pads, and pens. I hated socializing. I had two good friends and didn’t want more. I was often labeled stubborn or independent because once I started a task, I couldn’t stop. I was and am driven to complete assignments by an internal conviction.

All my life there have been people trying to change me. Be more social. Be less direct. Have less passion.Your zeal offends people. Be more gentle. Be more like other women. Talk more, talk less. Be less you. I’ve had more input than I’ve ever liked. The message that was sent to me has been, “God made you wrong. You need to change in order to be accepted, celebrated, and loved. Be who we want you to be, then you will accepted.”

Sweet friends, let me tell you some truth. God knew what He was doing when He created me and you. Yes, there’s sin that He comes in to deal with, but He didn’t created us all with the same qualities, attributes, personalities, and brain wiring. His love is also not dependent on our changing and becoming someone else.

God loves you, as is…no ifs about it. Sure God corrects us. He disciplines us. He shapes and molds us. He never approves of our sin. He transforms our hearts. He does not base His love for us on performance, behavior, personality, or ability. We can’t earn His love or approval.

I told a friend this week who’s been giving herself a hard time the following:

We see ourselves as these hard lumps of clay that God wants to come in and change in order to love. As someone who’s taken ceramics, I can say I didn’t see lumps of clay. I saw vases, sculptures, delicate designs that could be created. The artist sees their vision, not the clay they are given. God is the Master Artist. He sees through the eyes of love. He sees what He envisioned before the foundations of the Earth. He sees His workmanship created for His Glory. Yes, the story is His story and it’s primarily about Him. He still loves us! We are here because of Love. Who are we to argue with the Creator of the Universe? He says we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I still don’t understand why God gave me a brain that functions the way it does. It’s caused some misunderstandings with others and relational distress. I’ve learned and am learning to leave the refining of my character to God. I learned to pitch the labels not of God. The Holy Spirit is the One who provides direction. He leads back to this place of love. What does God want to say or do? Who does God say I am?

When we know how much God loves us, the opinions of others (including ourselves) loses weight. It’s about God working through us. It looks different for each one because God’s a Creator not a cloner. You weren’t created to be like other people. Each person was created to represent a unique part of God. Some are bold and creative. Others are thoughtful and quiet. Our role model is Christ. He wants to work through us so the world sees Him.

I hope today you live loved. May the focus be Jesus. As we behold Him, we become like Him. It’s all for His glory and fame.

You’re daily in my thoughts and prayers.

Love in Christ,

Erin