In this world, we've been told we need to look a certain way, act a certain way, or be a certain person to fit in. Super models, actors, and musicians have given us a complex. If we (especially women) are not a size zero, we feel that we've failed in some way.
We also have in our minds that we need to use super big words to feel smart. (Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!) Frankly, some of the "dumbest" people I know are the most educated. And, I say that with all the love in the world. We feel that if we do not make a certain amount of money, we aren't successful. If we don't have a big house or a very nice car or the best designer clothes we are big fat failures. All lies. Every single one.
That mind set in the worldly realm has carried over to our spiritual lives as well. We believe that we have to be a certain way to fit God's mold or to be used of Him. God does not work this way.
God created you the way you are. He instilled every emotion, tick, and personality. He gave you brown, black, blond or red hair. He made your skin the color it is. God is very pleased with His creation. Don't believe me? Genesis 1:31 says, "And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day."
Another facet to this lie is the one that says that we can't be used of God unless we are perfect, righteous, or "right". However you term it, it is still wrong. Just look at the people God has used over time for the honor and glory of Himself and His kingdom...
The usual suspects...
Abraham. This is the man who rushed ahead of God and married Hagar, un-trusting of God's plan to make him the father of many nations. This is the man who was afraid and did not trust God to protect his wife and himself; therefore, he lied (not once, but twice) about Sarah being his sister and not his wife. And in all of Abraham's trust issues, God DID make him a father of many nations. He DID protect and care for Abraham and Sarah.
Moses. Ah, Moses. Moses was a murderer. That's right. A killer. He murdered an Egyptian and hid the body. (Exodus 2:11,12) When God told Moses what he must do, Moses argued with God. "I can't speak clearly." Hello, Moses. God gave you that speech impediment! "They won't believe what I am saying." Is God not all-knowing? By God's hand, Moses helped to free the Hebrew slaves. He crossed the Red Sea. He became the leader of a nation.
King David. This man did not have an especially easy life. In his early life his life was threatened on more than one occasion by King Saul and his own son, Absalom. David had a torrid affair with Bathsheba; desiring her so severely, he went so far as to make sure her husband was in the front lines of battle so that he would be killed.
So, no matter where you are in your christian walk God can use you.
