There are no ordinary people—we were created to be unique.

世上没有平凡人，因我们受造奇妙独特。

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10

各人要照所得的恩赐彼此服事。-彼得前书4章10节

While on vacation recently, I gave my razor a rest and grew a beard. Various responses came from friends and co-workers—and most were complimentary. One day, however, I looked at the beard and decided, “It’s not me.” So out came the razor.

最近度假时，我决定留胡子，就将刮胡刀束之高阁。虽然朋友和同事的反应不一，但多属好评。但有一天，当我照镜子时，感觉“这不适合我”，于是我又再度使用刮胡刀。

I’ve been thinking about the idea of who we are and why one thing or another does not fit our personality. Primarily, it’s because God has bestowed us with individual differences and preferences. It’s okay that we don’t all like the same hobbies, eat the same foods, or worship in the same church. We are each uniquely and “wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). Peter noted that we are uniquely gifted in order to serve each other (1 Peter 4:10–11).

我常想我们是谁？为什么别人做的某些事并不适合我们？主要是因为上帝让我们每个人都有个别差异，以及不同的喜好。我们的兴趣各异、爱好的食物有别，参加的教会也不同，这些都无关紧要。因我们每个人都是独一无二的，都是“受造奇妙可畏”（诗篇139篇14节） 。彼得提到，我们要照着各人所领受的独特恩赐彼此服事（彼得前书4章10-11节）。

Jesus’s disciples didn’t check their characteristics at the door before entering His world. Peter was so impulsive that he cut off a servant’s ear the night Jesus was arrested. Thomas insisted on evidence before believing Christ had risen. The Lord didn’t reject them simply because they had some growing to do. He molded and shaped them for His service.

耶稣的门徒在蒙召时，仍然有各自的性格，但耶稣并没有拒绝他们。彼得是冲动型，在耶稣被捉拿时，拔刀削掉一个仆人的耳朵。多马是怀疑型，没有证据就不相信耶稣复活。耶稣知道他们需要继续成长，祂磨练塑造他们，成为合用的器皿。

When discerning how we might best serve the Lord, it’s wise to consider our talents and characteristics and to sometimes say, “It’s not me.” God may call us out of our comfort zone, but He does so to develop our unique gifts and personalities to serve His good purposes. We honor His creative nature when we permit Him to use us as we are. 当我们考虑要参与哪方面的服事时，我们应当先评估自己的才能和性格，或许我们会说：“这不适合我。”但有时上帝就是要我们走出安乐窝，塑造我们独特的恩赐与性格，以完成祂美好的旨意。当我们愿意顺服上帝，让祂塑造及使用，就是尊荣上帝创造的大能。

Thank You, Father, for the great individuality You have built into us. Thank You for my personality and for my abilities. Guide me in using them for You.

感谢天父，我们受造奇妙可畏，

因祢赐下，独特的人格和才能，
愿主引领，使用它们来服事祢。

1 Peter 4:7-11New International Version (NIV)

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

整理：于姊妹