The One and Only Original

Editor's Note: We all have thoughts — some good - some bad, but nonetheless they are thoughts. Our thoughts should be reflected upon and dealt with biblically (Rom. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:12-17; Phil. 4:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:1, etc.). ‘Just Thinkin Out Loud' (spelling of ‘thinkin'' is purposeful) is a series of thoughts that are being made public. You may or may not agree with all of the thoughts you read in this series, but it will help all of us to discuss them — out loud. The hope of the author and editors at IIIM is that this will assist all of us to begin personal reflection upon our own thoughts and compare them with God's perspective in Holy Scripture. Readers are encouraged to use small discussion groups and/or our RPM forum for any irenic discussion(s) of these specific thoughts and others they may bring about.

The uniqueness of God as a one and only being is mirrored in many different parts of His creation. Snow is one, as we have just discussed, and humanity is another. We're similar and we're different; Two pair of matching bookends, different as night and day. Our talents, gifts, and abilities make us the perfect choice for one task, not so good for another. But the one thing we are most excellent at is being ourselves. We make a first rate us and a second rate anybody else.

In the early part of the century, a filmmaker left his hometown to be a director in a major Hollywood studio. None of the studios was interested, however. Out of patience and money, the man went and made the kind of films he knew how to make. He and his brother started a studio and created a successful series, which impressed the distributor so much he ordered eleven more episodes. This man ended up losing that series to the distributor, but that didn't stop Walt Disney, because by then he knew his niche. On the way home from the court fight over the first series, he dreamed up another series about a mouse and the rest is history. All this confusion and sorrow he had known earlier eventually led to a success he could never dream at the time. And all this happened because he went to his known strong point.

A young music student named George, who wanted to understudy him, be his apprentice, approached a great composer. The elder musician consented, but advised against it. "You'd be a second rate -------- when you could be a first rate Gershwin," he said.

Confidence has its place, obviously, but the attitude needs holding that no one has anything but what the Creator, God, has given. The unique blend of attributes that make up you make for a no less unique expression of talent in whatever area it exists. Finding that area takes a studied assessment of abilities, discussion with a close friend who knows you well, and a teachable spirit.

So, when you read a biography about someone notable that you like and favor in some area, read to your heart's content. Follow the good examples you see, and you'll learn a lot, but don't be a clone, a carbon copy. Be the one and only original you.