Written by Vicky Ng, Art by Christine Hwang
Have you ever met someone that looks exactly like you? Even though we share 100% of the same gene components, our gene sequences vary by 0.1% which makes us different. In fact, there is one out of 64 trillion chances for you and your siblings to look alike. Just look at your fingerprints! They are one of a kind. There will never be any other person in this whole wide world that will share your fingerprint pattern. Not even your identical twin! The reason for this is that fingerprint patterns are not dictated by genes, they are formed by pressure from the environment such as the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb. If something as insignificant as amniotic fluid in the womb could make such a difference on our bodies, how about all the experiences we encounter throughout our lives? They make all of us—including identical twins—different and unique.
Yes, God wants us to be different. He gives us exactly the same gene components so that you and I can interact, bond, feel a sense of belonging, and be understood, but He also makes us different so that we are not pressured to imitate each other but have the freedom to express ourselves based on our internal convictions.
When God created the first human being, He used the dust from the ground (Gen 1:7). However, that does not mean we evolved from the dust or from simple elements. The composition of the human body is distinctly different from the abundance of the elements found in the earth’s crust. When God created humankind, He “breathed into the breath of life” and “created man in his own image” (Gen. 1:7, 27). Therefore, our humanity is made up of the life God has given to us and the image we have taken after God. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, there is no doubt that all human beings have fallen short of the glory of God. We however, still retain His image, and are still capable of communicating with this great God who put so much love and thought into our creation. The good news is that He is going to re-create us!
Earlier we mentioned that our personal experiences make us different. Such dynamic personal experiences are meant to break us and mold us so that we can be shaped to the likeness of Christ. Some of our experiences are especially crushing and terrible, but God’s presence and comfort are sufficient for us to go through those valuable experiences. For after going through them, we shall be transformed. The apostle Paul compared those Christ-shaping experiences to the process of childbirth, “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” (Galatians 4:19)
What is being recreated is not our body or our external features; it’s our heart—the seat of our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions. The knowledge of how our physical body is created reveals to us the awesomeness of our God, but focusing on how our spiritual mind will be recreated further brings out God’s wisdom and love. This gives us the hope and patience we need to accept and even find joy in our present circumstances. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29)
“Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14b) Being fully aware of His creative and re-creative work will help us to stay faithful and co-operative in this fascinating, transforming process. Won’t you join me in this journey of discovery as we explore how “Your Works are Wonderful?”
Can’t get enough? Check out Vicky’s debut article How Could You Enjoy Teaching Biology in Issue 1 of RE:NEW Magazine.
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