Uniquely Created

Each of us are created unique by God.  He created our inmost being and knitted us together in our mother's womb. His eyes saw our unformed body and ordained all days for us before any of them came to be. He chose us in Christ before the world was even formed and this gave Him great pleasure.  He has gifted each of us differently and supplies all grace needed to walk in His giftedness.  He opens our eyes and gives us His spirit of wisdom to understand this giftedness, our great God, and our calling.  He places within us His power-His Spirit- to fulfill the good works He has prepared for us. God has a place for each of us in His family.  The work He has designed for us is as unique as we are. 

With these thoughts in mind, why do we tend to copy other's style of ministry? I listened to an online leadership conference last week.  It was very good with each pastor sharing his views, ideas, and helps of ministry.  There were many good practical things shared.  The one thing that stood out to me the most was the different styles of ministry and discipleship.  I focused in the discipleship time and noticed the extreme differences in each man's approach.  These extremes were as follows and there were balances in the middle.

1)Find a group of men specifically gifted in an specific area, say finances, and when you have a question go to them in your time of need.  This way you have many mentors and you do not use up their friendship. (I'm don't remember the exact words he used..but this is the meaning I received from this) and the next extreme:

2)Live  in community with each other.  Sharing your life on a daily basis. 

These are two great extremes and I hope they work for these men.  I tend to favor one and disagree with the other, but the point made is God created us differently, gifted us differently, and designed works for us differently.  I think the challenge comes to us in being confident in who we are in the Lord.  If we are confident in who we are in Christ, in what God has called us to do , and we walk that calling out in faith there is no need to copy others styles.  We can definitely receive help and ideas from others and we need others, but God created us differently... Walk in that difference!