1 Corinthians 7:7 I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.

In chapter 11 Paul tells his readers to imitate him, but thankfully here he is acknowledging that everyone is supposed to be different. Slavish copying of anyone, no matter how fine an example they might be, is never a good idea. For example, not everyone is supposed to quit their job, leave their family, and wander around the countryside teaching all who will listen, even though that’s what Jesus did. Paul recognized both his natural desire that everyone be like him, as well as the fact that it would be a bad thing for that to happen. Most of us experience some degree of stress over this issue, some more than others, desiring that everyone match us, instead of our having to accommodate others. It doesn’t take much sensitivity to realize that God loves variety. No two sunsets are the same. If they were, we would lose our appreciation for the really spectacular ones. I remember visiting some people on an outlying island here in Nagasaki Prefecture. As we were driving from the ferry terminal with the windows down, Cathy and I were really blessed by the abundance of bird calls we heard, whether we saw the birds or not. However, our hosts didn’t even notice them! Familiarity indeed breeds contempt, and that applies even to personalities and abilities. We need to let the differences among us sharpen our appreciation for everyone, even ourselves. Most people with low self esteem think everybody can do whatever they can do, when almost invariably they can do some things that others find very difficult. It is precisely because we are different that we need each other.

The Lord keeps directing my attention back to this truth, because I have had real difficulty with it in the past. I too want everybody to be like me! Thankfully, however, the Lord has patiently brought me to a place of far greater appreciation for our differences. That’s a good thing, particularly since I’m a pastor! I not only need to recognize and acknowledge the abilities of others, I need to help them do so as well. Japanese culture teaches everyone to be self deprecating, and sadly, that works so well that a remarkable percentage of people really believe they can’t do anything worthwhile. I need to help them understand that God has given them abilities and tasks that aren’t identical to those He’s given anyone else on earth. Only when they realize that can they move into the joy, satisfaction, and fruitfulness of being Christ’s witnesses, His agents, in every area of their lives.

Father, You showed me several years ago that when Japanese believers wake up to who and what they are in Christ, the whole world will be changed. I pray for that! I offer myself for however You want to use me to that end, so that Your Name may be hallowed, Your kingdom come, and Your will be done, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!