The Holy Spirit showed me that I must live as God’s creature and stop the hyper-negative thoughts about myself. I go way beyond convictions to stringent routines and harsh criticism.

God called me His “Unearthly Thing” one day as I prayed for direction. His new title for me came with such profound love. I cherished the name so much that I wrote a song about it. Then, I used it to title my monthly column I write for an online magazine. I even named my music publishing company after it. But sadly, I had forgotten it, although I wanted to remember it.

I judged myself harshly because I didn’t feel as if I fit in with the look of Christianity. I based my self-imposed criticism on shaky ground, namely, perception, not truth.

However, this world will pass away, so I should not try to conform to its ways. God wants me to be the person He made me to be and to remain that way. By doing so, I can fulfill His purpose.

The Lord continued to show me where I was in error about my thinking: how success looked, and how fickle others’ opinions of me are.

All these views and criticisms inhibited me from using the gifts God gave me for His glory. We are not meant to limit ourselves to one way of being–what some might equate with the “right way.” That can inhibit me from spreading the gospel.

To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak; I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.  I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

~1 Corinthians 9:22-23 NASB

We are meant to be the thing God created us to be, especially for the sake of sharing Christ and talking about what He has done for us. And I try to do this as often as the situation allows.

I still struggle with criticizing myself. While writing this devotion, a whiny, shrill voice in my head tells me that this article will not be good and will have no spiritual value to anyone. However, my logical and redeemed mind knows I have prayed throughout its composition. Additionally, I am aware that the fulfillment of God’s work does not depend on my abilities. He chooses to use me and equips me–such an honor and act of love.

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

~Romans 12:4-5 NLT

The Creator created each of us uniquely for His special purposes. We are all parts of the same body, each with its own gift and purpose. No part is greater than the other, and God uses all parts. How lovely is that?

Pause and thank God for making you His unique creature.

Heavenly Father, thank You for creating each of us differently to accomplish a special task in Your kingdom. Please guide me in Your ways, and give me wisdom and strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Live as God’s Creature: Angela Dolbear: All Rights Reserved