If you were to pause and think about those in your life who have encouraged you, it might be an educator, neighbor, Sunday School teacher, coach, family member, co-worker, or boss. With their nuggets of wisdom, sage advice, or their gift of time, the thing that comes readily to your mind, my friend, is the imprint they left on your life.
“God gave you a fingerprint that no one else has, so you can leave an imprint (in the world) that no one else can.” – Keith Craft
God created each of us with a one-of-a-kind fingerprint. It is yours only. Even identical twins do not share the same fingerprints. Several years ago, one of our vehicles was broken into and the officer dusted it for fingerprints to check against their database for identification.
Likewise, so it goes with those we do life with. Our fingerprints are left on their soul for the positive or negative. It’s easy to focus on the negative because we know our frailties and shortcomings, but let’s focus on the power of “good” that we have within us, even on our bad days. Unfortunately, all too often we underestimate who God created us to be. There’s no one else like you! And this world needs you and God’s unique giftings He has placed in you.
It is time for a paradigm shift on the value and importance of even the mundane things we do each day. It doesn’t matter if we are known on social media or only by our immediate family. When we allow our God giftings to shine, it is a form of worship to God. All that we do becomes a sacred opportunity that leaves the indelible imprint of God’s love on all we encounter.
In Philippians chapter four, the Apostle Paul is reflecting on those who have helped him and how with their help and with God he has learned to live content in every situation. Paul expresses his gratitude in verse eighteen, “. . . I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.”
Below are three examples from the Bible of those who used what was they had to help others:
- The Good Samaritan: He did not allow cultural or religious biases to prohibit him from helping someone in need.
- Tabitha: Became ill and died and the people in her village were heartbroken because of the acts of kindness she constantly showed her community. Her earthly assignment was not complete. Peter prayed over her and life returned to her body.
- David: He showed care and compassion for his friend’s son, Mephibosheth, who was disabled. He was given a place at David’s table for as long as he lived.
God created us each with unique gifts, talents, and abilities that we have yet to employ. Proverbs 3:27 paraphrased, tells us that when we have the ability to help someone, don’t hesitate to do so; our hands become God’s hand for that person.
May our earthly epithet testify to our one-of-a-kind, indelible fingerprints. These sacred instruments of the love of God, found on the hearts and lives of family, community, and others around the world.
Deborah McGrew is Executive Assistant at Koinonia Church in Hanford, CA. She can be reached at debm@kchanford.com or 559-582-1528.