We are all born originals, but most of us die copies. This profound statement challenges us to consider our journey through life and how we navigate the pressures to conform. It’s a call to embrace our uniqueness and fulfill the exceptional potential God has placed within each of us.
The path to becoming exceptional isn’t about reading a book or buying your way into greatness. It’s forged through perseverance in the face of adversity. How we handle our battles, temptations, lonely seasons, hurts, disappointments, and rejections shapes our character and determines whether we rise to exceptionality or settle for the ordinary.
Exposure is key to unlocking our potential. Many good people never reach their full potential because they’ve never been exposed to other options. Our breakthroughs often come when God takes us out of our small-minded, closed-minded world and exposes us to a bigger one. This exposure challenges our thinking and opens our eyes to possibilities we never imagined.
As believers, we must recognize that there is more in us than we realize. God has greater plans and purposes for our lives, regardless of our current circumstances. The Bible reminds us, “As a man thinks, so is he.” This means we can’t live beyond the level of our thoughts and understanding. Every significant breakthrough in our lives comes through revelation and illumination – when someone teaches us something we didn’t know or shows us a way we didn’t understand.
It’s crucial to resist the pressure to remain ordinary. Ordinary lacks special distinction; it’s average and commonly encountered. But that’s not who we are as children of God. We weren’t created to be average or to maintain the status quo. We were born for something special, and understanding our “why” – the purpose for which God created us – is a cause for continual celebration.
However, choosing the path of exceptionality comes with its own set of challenges. Exceptional people face exceptional battles. The Bible warns us in 1 Peter 4:12 (Amplified Version), “Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange, unusual, and alien to you and your position were befalling you.” This scripture prepares us for the reality that pursuing God’s best for our lives will inevitably bring opposition.
When facing these battles, our perspective is crucial. Instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?” we should ask, “What do I need to learn through this?” It’s a privilege to fight battles for those far from God, for broken families that need restoration, for the hurting and rejected. This shift in mindset can transform our approach to challenges and help us persevere.
Exceptional people are characterized by their values and convictions. They understand the difference between convictions – which are non-negotiable and deepen under pressure – and preferences, which can be compromised. Our commitment to following Christ, our church involvement, our giving, and our integrity should all stem from deep-seated convictions rather than mere preferences.
Another hallmark of exceptional individuals is their approach to partnerships and teamwork. While friendships are often based on similarities, true partnerships thrive on differences. In a marriage, when love covers differences, they become the superglue that keeps the relationship strong. In a church community, diverse gifts, backgrounds, and experiences, when surrendered to a heavenly vision, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Perhaps one of the most distinguishing features of exceptional people is their lifestyle of generosity. They view giving as an investment rather than an obligation. The true mark of maturity is a generous heart. As John Bunyan wisely said, “You have not lived today until you’ve done something for someone who can never repay you.” This mindset opens doors to financial miracles and spiritual blessings beyond our imagination.
The story of a church that sowed its entire building fund of $140,000 into another ministry, even when they needed funds for their own expansion, illustrates this principle beautifully. This act of generosity, born out of conviction rather than convenience, paved the way for one of the greatest financial miracles they had ever experienced.
Living an exceptional life isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance. Proverbs 24:16 reminds us, “A righteous person may fall seven times, but he gets up again.” Our resilience in the face of setbacks defines our journey towards exceptionality. It’s not about never falling; it’s about always getting back up.
Ultimately, the path to true exceptionality is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate example of someone who fought against the ordinary and lived an extraordinary life of purpose and sacrifice. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Embracing Him is the surest way to walk in God’s highest purpose for our lives.
As we reflect on these truths, let’s challenge ourselves:
1. Are we living as the originals God created us to be, or have we allowed ourselves to become copies?
2. How do we respond to battles and challenges? Do we see them as opportunities for growth?
3. Are our life choices based on deep convictions or changeable preferences?
4. How can we cultivate a lifestyle of generosity that reflects God’s heart?
5. In what areas of our lives do we need to embrace the exceptional and resist the ordinary?
May we all strive to live exceptional lives, not for our own glory, but to fulfill the unique purpose for which God created us. Let’s persevere through challenges, hold fast to our convictions, embrace our differences in partnerships, and live with open-handed generosity. In doing so, we’ll not only experience the fullness of life God intends for us but also impact the world around us in extraordinary ways.