All it takes is a brief look around at God’s incredible creation to see that He loves variety. This is especially true when it comes to human beings. Consider that every person on the planet is a unique creation designed by God, made in His image, and for a specific purpose. When David penned those words about being “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), I don’t think he was just referring to his physical being.

While God did indeed give us the body we now possess, He also gave us our unique temperament, our special abilities, and our spiritual gifts that combine to make us who we are. These various parts of you remain constant. In other words, people never really change--their basic make-up stays the same. Even though at salvation we become a “new creation” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), our personality, giftedness, and body type don’t change.

You may have heard the illustration about the missionary being chased by a lion through the jungle. When he knew it was impossible to outrun the beast, he fell to his knees and prayed, “Dear Lord, please turn this lion into a Christian.” Looking around he saw the lion stop, kneel down and pray, “O Lord, for this meal I give thanks.” Even though he was changed, he was still a lion. This illustration always reminds me of the apostle Paul, who after his conversion demonstrated the same drive and ambition for the gospel that he had demonstrated in persecuting the church.

People need to understand that becoming a Christian doesn’t mean you can’t be you. Some wrongly imagine that becoming a believer will turn them into some kind of negative stereotype. They think, “I don’t want to be like so-and-so.” In reality, becoming a follower of Jesus doesn’t slow you down, it just changes your direction. Christ doesn’t cramp your style; He just redirects it.

Becoming a follower of Jesus doesn’t slow you down, it just changes your direction.

God made you to be you, so stop trying to be someone else. Accepting that reality has several benefits. First, it reduces stress. You won’t have to worry about what you cannot do or why God didn’t make you 6’3” with hair that stays in after age 30. Second, once you accept how the Lord put you together, you can confidently serve according to your giftedness and innate abilities. Finally, there is a peace and contentment in accepting your unique make-up as God’s gift and purpose for your life.

The next time you start feeling like a failure because you’re attempting to do something you’re not equipped for, or you don’t enjoy what you’re doing and you’re not doing it well, consider focusing on your God-given uniqueness and strive to serve Jesus accordingly.