by Julie Zine Coleman @JulieZColeman

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills…But now God has arranged the parts, each one of them in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one part, where would the body be? But now there are many parts, but one body.

1 Corinthians 12: 7, 11, 18-20 NASB

When I first began to write and speak, I got an unexpected word of wisdom from a friend. She asked, “If you could achieve anything with your writing and speaking, what would it be?”

I had a ready answer. “I would be just like Beth Moore,” I told her.

She shook her head. “God already has a Beth Moore,” she said. “Now he wants a Julie Coleman.”

The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit equips us for our calling. God has a specific plan for each of us and has gifted us to participate in the building of His kingdom. But those spiritual gifts are uniquely expressed, because we are uniquely created (see 1 Corinthians 12). We are called to reflect the same God, but because of His eternality, there are endless possibilities in how that gift is manifested in us.

At this year’s Blue Ridge Conference, I was impressed at how varied we attendees were: so diverse in experiences, backgrounds, preferred genres, and publishing journeys. God has made us unique, with different perspectives and varied gifts that fit into His plan. Everyone matters. Like a multi-faceted precious stone, it will take an army of individuals to adequately reflect His image and message to the world.

Jesus picked a variety of personalities in planning His first century church. Peter was impulsive and enthusiastic. Thomas reasoned thoughtfully before speaking. Jesus called James and John “Sons of Thunder,” both ready to pass judgment on some who crossed their path. There were also differing political views; Simon the Zealot hated Rome’s oppression, but Matthew was employed by the Roman empire.

But in three years, Jesus shaped them into a unified team, ready to lay down their lives and answer His call. In their uniqueness, they were widely varied in how they pointed to their master. Using their own backgrounds and perspective, they encouraged others to live out their own story.

Think about it: the least effective way to reach the world would be a one-size-fits-all approach. Why? Because those we are called to reach are as individual as those already in the body of Christ. Rather than trying to fit ourselves into a box, we need to approach our calling with open hearts, trusting Him to lead in how he plans to use us.

There are no carbon-copies in the Body of Christ! We are as varied as the rest of God’s creation, and we all have something important to add to the Church. We need to relax into that, and enjoy the variety God has created. We matter to Him. Different is a good thing. We are a multifaceted team. To what kind of ministry is God calling you in your writing? We will be cheering you on!

Julie Zine Coleman is an award-winning author, speaker, and member of the Pastoral Team at New Hope Chapel. She is the managing editor for the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association’s devotional website, Arise Daily. Julie holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and has authored four books including Unexpected Love: God’s Heart Revealed through Jesus’ Conversations with Women and On Purpose: Understanding God’s Freedom for Women through Scripture, which was named The Golden Scrolls Book of the Year as well as The Selah Awards’ Director’s Choice. Julie and her husband have four grown children, six grandchildren, and one crazy Golden Retriever puppy.