The Best "You" You Can Be by Tejuana Johnson

 I remember sitting in a young adult Sunday school class one morning as our teacher began his lesson. I'll never forget his opening words: "Write down the titles of five sermons that have affected you greatly. You have thirty seconds."

When that assignment was finished, the next was given: "Write down the names of five people who have affected you greatly. You have thirty seconds."

The results were surprising. About ninety-five percent of our large class had blank sermon title papers. But the "people papers" were almost all completed. So what do you think that means?

We as human beings are usually influenced in life by those in our circle of acquaintances, fellow church members, or family more than a beautiful song, a gifted oratory, or great talent. So what has that got to do with me as a Christian lady, right? Well, it seems that the entire female species suffers from the same malady. We find it hard to believe in ourselves and our ability to affect those around us positively. Of course, it isn't our place to deliver the fiery Sunday sermon, but we can still be productive for the Lord. But you might be timid about sharing your testimony with a stranger or you may not be very musically inclined, so you couldn't really be of much help to anybody right? Wrong!

I remember my husband preaching a message entitled, "Thank God for Phebe." Now you don't think of Phebe very often do you? I mean we don't automatically place her at the top of our list for feminine biblical heroes! But Romans 16: 1-2 says: "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: that ye receive her in the Lord, as be cometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many and of myself also." The word succourer means "helper."

Phebe also delivered the Book of Romans to the saints at Rome after it was written by Paul. Now, what if she had though her duty insignificant? She might have been careless and perhaps we'd have never been blessed by the truths we can read in that book of our Bible.

So many times, we tend to judge others, as well as ourselves, by outward talents or abilities. But let us be reminded that God sees our hearts. Our great talents alone do not impress Him. There are countless times when we could be a blessing to others and do not even realize it. We just do not categorize some things as "ministry." But Jesus said in Matthew 10:42 that if we were to give even a cup of cold water in His name that it would not go unrewarded!

Have you ever thought of offering to baby-sit for a worn out mother? I'm sure she would feel she had been "ministered" to! Or maybe chocolate chip cookies are your specialty. Did you see someone at church that looked a little down? Warm, fragrant cookies might bring a smile! Or what about a friendship card, just because?

Do you possess a great sense of humor? Use it to brighten someone's day. And here's something we all need to remember: Smiles cost very little to give away generously. Did it ever occur to you that the visiting evangelist and his wife might enjoy your banana cream pie? The opportunities are unlimited! "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10) is wise advise.

Go ahead and bloom where you are planted. You really can be a blessing because there is no one else quite like you. You are special. All Jesus wants to make out of you is the best "You" you can be.

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