“Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.
That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse.
We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.”
Galatians 5:25-26 MSG
Don’t you love “originals”? An original oil painting? An original glass-blown vase? An original Granny Square afghan your Nana crocheted just for you? An original Popsicle jewelry box proudly made by your 1st Grader?
The best “originals” are (drum roll)…you and me! Yeah, God made each of us “an original”. Your own unique DNA. Each gifted by the Holy Spirit for His special purpose!
You can’t be mistaken for anyone else in the whole universe! You are an original made by God! He’s placed His personal, Divine autograph on you, as you were made in His image! He’s proud of His masterpiece! YOU!!
So, that means we need to treat God-made “originals” with TLC…Tender Loving Care. You don’t just throw out an original in the trash! Originals are carefully tended and carefully placed, as they are highly esteemed. No price can be put on an original. No one can replace an original. Once it’s gone, it’s irreplaceable.
The Apostle Paul tells us that since we have chosen to live by the Spirit of God, our actions toward other “originals” need to be as He would act. This “living-by-the-Spirit” thing isn’t head knowledge…but worked out, with the “originals”, in our daily interactions.
That means since we are each an “original” of God’s handiwork, we dare not compare ourselves, saying, “I’m better than THAT ‘original'”! You are not! You are unique. You are made in His image. You are an amazing original of God…but you are NOT better than the next original.
You have been given different gifts and talents that are to intertwine with other “originals”…with their God-given gifts and talents! Harmony amongst the “originals”!
Can you imagine an original oil painting, like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, saying to an original sculpted statue, Michelangelo’s David…that I am more of an original than you? I am better than you? Ridiculous.
We are to acknowledge, to enjoy, to be grateful, to actually welcome one another’s God-given attributes and gifts! No comparisons. So, don’t compare yourself with another as if you are better than the other.
Live formatively! Not comparatively! God created you to do far more interesting things with your life. Each of us is a God-original!
