I am me
A few years ago, I needed a new eye prescription. I decided to change the style of glasses and try something different.
I picked up a pair that I liked, popped them on, then looked in the mirror… Yikes! It was like my Grandad was staring back at me! I had to take a deep breath then look again to check it was me!
As I have watched my own children grow up, I have seen certain aspects of me, my wife and even their grandparents in them. Sometimes it can be the smallest thing; a look, or a gesture, that is just like one of their relatives.
It’s not surprising really, as everyone is the product of their parents. However, we are not carbon copies or mini-me’s of them. We have our own unique characteristics and qualities.
The two books of Chronicles in the Old Testament, catalogue the kings of Judah. When a new king came to power the books record a few facts: How old they were, how long they reigned for, and if they followed in God’s way or not. Here’s a couple of examples…
“Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done.”
“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites.”
However a king behaved, good or bad, it did not mean that their heir would be like them. Each successive king had to make their own decisions.
The same principle is true today. I think this is a good thing, because it means we are responsible for our own choices, decisions, and actions.
Of course, there may be lots of good things that someone inherits from their parents. But, for others, there may be some ways or behaviour, that one does not want passed on.
Here’s the thing. No matter what your parents are/were like: you are not your parents! You are a unique, wonderful, interesting and fascinating person!
God treats us all as individuals. He did not create robots or clones. I heard it said, that once God made you, He tore up the plans and said ‘I’ll never make another one of those again!’
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader