Article November 18, 2013 Issue

God created you to be you

Lynn G. Jackson

Throughout history there have been individuals who, by maintaining their integrity and resisting pressures to think and act like those around them, have changed the world for the better. 

One such man, Polycarp, lived in ancient Smyrna between 69 and 155 ᴀᴅ. Known for his piety, he helped stabilize the early Christian church and its practices after the death of Jesus’ disciples. He was one of the apostolic fathers to whom Christians turned for guidance in worship and authentication of Christian teachings. His role was paramount in the survival of Christianity during its second century. His mission clearly upset Roman officials, who sought his death. But despite the threats of the Roman Empire, Polycarp refused to renounce his Christian faith and was martyred. 

It takes courage to stand one’s ground against homogeneous thinking—thinking that simply melds into what everyone else is thinking. It’s easy to follow fads, believe what others are believing, and go along with the crowd. Standing out seems challenging! True spiritual individuality, though, cannot be homogenized. God causes us to be individual and to express Him in a unique way, yet in His likeness. 