I can be so incredibly weird and awkward. I mean, it is truly embarrassing at times. I am not exactly sure why, either. Am I introverted? Do I have social anxiety? Am I simply immature or insecure? It may be a little bit of all these things. The point is, when I analyze my words and deeds after many of my interactions with others, I am often left cringing, shaking my head, wishing that I had said and done it all so very differently. Though there are most likely multiple reasons, I am not convinced that they really matter. Here are some things that do, though:
1-God created me, uniquely.
Psalm 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
2-God loves me; so much so that He went to unimaginable lengths to save me from my sin.
1 John 4:9-10 “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
3-God is sanctifying me and will change me how He desires, when He desires.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
Do I wish I was more relaxed around others? Yes. Would it be fantastic to blend in more and not be so darn odd? You bet. At the end of the day, though, my purpose in life is not to make myself more “likeable” or even really to focus on my personality. My (and your) purpose is this:
1-To seek and focus on the Lord.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Colossians 3:1-2 “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.
2-To love Him, which is expressed by learning and obeying His commands.
Psalm 119:4 “You have commanded your precept to be kept diligently.”
John 14:15; 23a “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments… If anyone loves Me, he will follow My word.”
3- To love others, putting them before self.
Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”
John 15:12-13 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Regardless of my personality flaws, some people actually do like me and my weird awkwardness (thank God for moms, right?…lol) and that is a true blessing. In any case, I must remember that the Lord is perfect and makes no mistakes. He has designed me with a purpose and created me perfectly to fulfill that purpose. He will use me, along with all of my strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, for the good of others, to His glory. I must remember to always trust Him for all things because He knows exactly what He is doing!
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
P.S. I have no doubt that you can relate to what I have shared with you in some way in your own life. There will most likely always be something about yourself that you wish was a bit different. Do yourself a favor? When you look in the mirror or reflect upon your own personality, remember you have been perfectly created and…
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Love in Christ,
Monica Ledford