Are we all supposed to be the same? That's probably a question lots of us ask. I'm asking it right now. So this is as much for me as it is for anyone. If you're asking whether we're all supposed to be the same, hopefully this will help you and me both. Notice though, I'm not asking are we all supposed to be equal. I wrote the same, as in identical. Specifically, identical in the way we act, our purpose in life, and things like that. It's not a question of is one person somehow better or more deserving than another.
Of course, this question comes from a Christian point of view. For instance, some people think we're going to end up as angels in Heaven, singing praise songs to God all the time. I wrote something along those lines back in May 2018, titled Are all Christians supposed to be the same? But this one's different. From a different point of view. From the viewpoint of what are we supposed to do right now, here in this life.
It's not the first time it's come up. Nor the second. It's kind of scattered around in various articles. And it's come up in Bible Study sessions I've led. Now, I think it's time to bring it all together. And as I said, in large part for me. And while I don't believe we're all supposed to be the same, I also think we do share lots of common issues, problems, and questions.
Summary
The article explores the question of whether all individuals are meant to be identical in their actions and purpose in life, particularly from a Christian perspective. It challenges the notion of uniformity in Christian life and delves into Biblical teachings to address this query.
Individuality vs. Uniformity: The author challenges the notion that following Jesus leads to a loss of individuality, instead suggesting that Biblical teachings celebrate diversity within the body of Christ.
Biblical Teachings: The text examines the Great Commission and other scriptures to refute the idea of Christians becoming clones, highlighting Jesus’ teachings on love, service, and the unique roles within the Christian community.
Misconceptions Addressed: Common misconceptions about Christian life, such as becoming angels or singing eternally in heaven, are debunked with scriptural references.
Christian Diversity: The article emphasizes that while Christians share common beliefs, they are not meant to lose their distinctiveness, as illustrated by the variety of Jesus’ disciples and the metaphor of the body with many parts..
In conclusion, the web page emphasizes that individuals are not meant to be identical in their actions or life purposes, highlighting the diversity of God’s creation. It refutes the notion of Christians becoming clones or angels in heaven, instead advocating for a unique, fulfilling life guided by Jesus’ teachings. The page encourages embracing our differences while following the Great Commission, and it warns against adding to or subtracting from Jesus’ message, which can distort the true essence of Christianity. Ultimately, it calls for a balance between following God’s commandments and celebrating the individuality He has given each of us.
So, let's get started.
Are we all supposed to be the same - in what way?
As mentioned, some people think we'll end up as angels. There's no Biblical basis for this.
Some think that, somehow, when we follow Jesus, we'll end up as clones. Not only that, but clones that have no fun. Just like the image of the cut-out people forms at the top of the page. Considering the variety of people Jesus hung out with during His time on earth, I don't get that one either.
I'm sure you have other examples, but I think that's enough.
My point is this. In this life, there are some people who just want to fit in. There are others, at the opposite end of the spectrum, who want to be unique. Of course, we have to realize, unique is an absolute term but when we use it we turn it into a relative term. Something along the lines of, unique in my own way. But then, with so many people on the planet, just how unique can we really be?
For those of you who are old enough to know about "The man in the gray flannel suit", most of us don't want to be like that. And if you're thinking that Heaven is going to turn us into a bunch of angels who look and act exactly the same, singing 24-hours a day seven days a week for eternity, there's nothing in the Bible to indicate that's the case.
Does The Great Commission turn us into clones?
Does The Great Commission turn us into clones? For some of the regular readers, the thought of that heading is probably shocking. I write about the importance of The Great Commission so much, how can I even suggest that it might turn us into clones?
Well, unfortunately, sometimes in the past Christian missionaries have been more like the stormtroopers in the adjacent image. Not Biblical at all, given what Jesus told His disciples.
In case you're not familiar with it, let's look at the Great Commission.
The Great Commission
Mt 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
OK, I can see how you might think we're all supposed to be the same. There's one message. We're all supposed to be involved in spreading the message. And in teaching others about the message. Furthermore, we're supposed to help others follow that message.
That sounds boring. However, it's only boring if everyone wears the same gray flannel suit. And everyone lives in a house that's absolutely identical. So identical that we have to count the number of houses as we drive down the block to be sure we go into the right one. And there's a Stepford wife in every home. Two and a half perfect kids, a la some of the 1950s TV shows. And let's not forget the white picket fence. Or the dog. And whatever else is in our imaginations.
Or maybe we go the storm trooper way. Convert or die! There was more than enough of that in Christianity's past. But let's be honest. That's not in the Bible either.
Here's what the Bible says about that storm trooper mentality.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve - Mark
6:7-11 pp — Mt 10:1, 9-14; Lk 9:1, 3-5
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