5-26-21 Special?

Special? :: By Candy Austin Published on: January 16, 2021 by RRadmin7 Category:General Articles Have you ever been called ‘Special’? Is everyone in the world ‘Special’? Are only certain people ‘Special’? Oftentimes, our loved ones will tell us that we are deeply loved, utterly cherished, and very ‘Special’ to them. For example, my ‘Sunshine’ used to say to me, “Momma, you are very Special.” Sadly enough, those words have become ‘rather hollow’ in recent years. Makes one beg the question, what does being ‘Special’ really mean when you can later become rejected, devalued, and unwanted? To get an idea, the Internet Dictionary definition for ‘Special’ is ‘better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual.’ Some of the synonyms are ‘exceptional, noteworthy, remarkable, notable, outstanding, significant, and important.’ This sounds well and good, but does it really define what being ‘Special’ is all about? Recently, I saw a plaque with a person’s picture on it, honoring them through their ‘unexpected death’ by naming the organization’s building after them. This seems to make their memory or legacy ‘Special’ in some way, does it not? Likewise, when my paternal grandparents were alive, married, and had their own business in the 40’s and 50s, they were honored by having a street named after them within their home town. This seems to also make one ‘Special’ in an earthly sense, does it not? Makes one wonder sometimes if we will have a building or a street named after us when we pass from this world as well. Fortunately or unfortunately, the reality is that as Blood-Bought Christians, we will be ‘strangers, pilgrims, and sojourners’ in this fallen world, which is no less than the Devil’s playground! Often, we will find that we will not be accepted or even liked, much less ‘honored’ in many ways during our time here. So, that begs the question then, what does it mean to be ‘Special’ in light of what we have learned, seen, and heard? For Believers, the more important question is, what does it mean to be ‘Special’ in God’s Eyes according to His Word? Psalm 139:13-16 “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” Genesis 1:26 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Luke 12:7 “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” From this, we learn that we are created in God’s Image (which is in His Likeness). We find that we are each made unique from the color of our eyes, hair, and skin to our individual personalities, gifts, and talents. We also learn that even though we are all fashioned in God’s Image, we are ultimately not all God’s children. Only those of us who are ‘born of God’ are His children in the most accurate sense of the word and meaning. From that perspective, we come to see that there is something more to our being here than just by being created distinct from one another. By reading God’s Word, it tells us that we are here for His Pleasure and Purpose, which is to Glorify Him in all that we think, say, and do. Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Therefore, when we are Born Again by becoming True Believers in Jesus Christ, we then become a New Creature, and old things are passed away! In this newness of life, we become God’s ‘Special Masterpiece’ because we are now a Vessel that He can finally use! With the Holy Spirit residing in us, we are now enabled to bring forth the Fruit of the Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control) which will have ‘worth and significance’ for His Kingdom! To be used by God as His Vessel is a High Honor! To become a ‘Doulos’ (Slave) for Christ is not burdensome in the least but is, in fact, for us an Ultimate Privilege! For His yoke is easy and His burden is light, for it is clear that sin makes us prisoners, but salvation makes us free! Therefore, being ‘Truly Special’ comes from being in and used by Jesus Christ, which is something Abba Father God wanted and intended for us all along! Matthew 11:29-30 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Deuteronomy 14:2 “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.” Until next time… Maranatha! JESUS = THE WAY, THE TRUTH, & THE LIFE! Jesus Will Come! ——————— Candy Austin is an Ambassador for Christ/Freelance ASL Interpreter/Writer, just passing through on this Narrow Path with her Beloved Husband and Best Friend Doug, along with their 2 fur baby cats Harley (12) and Dallas (9).