No two apple pies (or people) are created equal. Where’s the spiritual truth in that? It is a biblical principle, sort of. Stay with me until the end, and I’ll explain.
Today’s blog formed in my mind one day as I was creating an apple pie. None of my apple pies look the same. Yes, I cook them on the same oven temperature, for the approximate same minutes, most of the time. Even that can change slightly. It can depend on the look and feel and thickness of the crust.
The DNA Always Varies
The basic recipe is the same, but the DNA definitely varies–always:
D – The Dough may include one, two, or three kinds of flour. That day, I combined Spelt, Whole Wheat, and White flour. But most of the time I use only spelt flour. Heavier, but healthier crust for me. I like oil and milk for a flaky crust, but the amounts can vary. A little salt helps, too, not usually measured.
N – Necessary spices and sweetener. Sometimes I use a little sugar and a lot of honey. That time, I added only honey. Cinnamon and nutmeg add spice, again in varying amounts. Today I included some tapioca grains for an extra crisp crunch. A bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the honey and juices. I forgot that today, though, as well as a dot of butter on the whole pile. A drizzle of milk on the top crust to brown it nicely.
A– Apples. I never use the same number of apples, or the same kind. On this pie, I chose Granny Smith and Gala. Each apple differs in size, color, and crispness. All sliced, all hand-peeled. All different widths. (Or you can choose a can of pre-sliced apples for faster pie making.)
We Are Not Created Equal
Why is that an important and needed spiritual truth?
Parents Need to Know That
Every parent wants to treat their kids equally. What child hasn’t screamed “No fair!” if you vary from your treatment one iota? I tried that. I was the Queen of “Fair,” but years later I realized what an impossible task that was. Every child has his own personality, his own “bent,” and temperament. Some respond to gentle discipline, while others need a “firmer” approach. They all need love.
Husbands and Wives Need to Know That
If we just recognized how different we truly are as husband and wife, can you imagine how much time and energy we’d save trying to make the other person like us? That wasn’t my idea or yours. God made man and woman different–in a hundred ways or more. The funny thing is, where one’s weakness ends, the other’s strength begins. We were made to compliment each other, not to compete with one another.
Employers Need to Know That
Employers who expect their employees to function exactly the same in any position need a reminder. Some of us do well at certain tasks, while others need longer instruction. Personalities differ and physical abilities and limitations factor in, but all can give their best effort.
The Body of Christ Needs to Know That
God not only gives us unique personality traits and physical abilities, but He also blesses us with different spiritual gifts. To some He imparts the gift of helps to lend a hand in any practical job of service. To others, He gives the clear ability to speak His truth boldly and clearly, so we would understand His authority.
He gives organization and leadership skills as well, so His church will have vision and order. To others He gives the gift of teaching. allowing us to grow stronger in Christ and know His Word accurately. He chooses some to feel the hurts of others and apply the balm of healing, while others He blesses with the ability to give greatly to expand His kingdom work or relieve the difficulty of others. Still others He imparts with encouragement, so we can lift up the body in distress or help them look upward to God.
In so many ways He blesses us to function with all the right ingredients to accomplish one thing: to build up the body of Christ, His church, to make it effective in a world that desperately needs His love, light, and truth. (Romans 12: 4-8, NIV)
No, we are not all created equal–not in gifts, not in abilities, not in our appearance. God chose a unique DNA blend for each person; no two are exactly the same. But there is one underlying, basic ingredient. We were all made in His image–for His pleasure–for His glory. (Genesis 1:27, Ephesians 1:12)
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. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16).
My Personal Prayer for You
Father, thank You for Your ingenuity and creativity. Thank You for making me so unique. I’m one of a kind! We all are! Reflecting in Your image is my desire; enjoying Your fellowship is my blessing; knowing You more is my longing; sharing Your truths is my passion. Lord, help each of us to live our lives with the joy and purpose You intended. I’m so glad You created us all with Your love and in Your image.
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
Complimentary Rebecca’s “Pantser” Apple Pie Recipe
If you’d like a complimentary copy of my “Pantser” Apple Pie Recipe–like the one in the above picture, you’ll find it on my freebies page. Don’t know what I mean by “pantser?” Check out the recipe, and you’ll find out!
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