The Principle's Office: Individuality

Individuality vs. Individualism

God has many important principles in His Word, many of which seem to have been completely lost to our society and those who influence it. This principle may sound like it's constantly put before you, but you may be a bit mistaken.

Individuality.

That sounds pretty familiar, right? Television shows tend to encourage people to express themselves and care nothing for how it's done or for whom it affects. But you may be confusing the principle of individuality for the idea that is commonly encouraged, which is individualism.

Each person has been made an individual for an individual purpose to fit into HIS story. We are many members but one body, so when each individual or member knows and operates in their purpose, the Body of Christ is complete. Individuality is not just about expressing who one is to the world without regret of what one does. That, rather, is individualism. Individuality is all about finding who God made you and willfully submitting to His plan for you, which, in turn, serves the Body of Christ.

To help you determine the difference between God's principle of individuality and the world's idea of individualism, here are some examples of each:

Individualism:

- Do your own thing because, "It feels good!"

- Think highly of yourself and do what benefits you alone.

- Self!

- You deserve a break! Work on making yourself happy with no concern for others.

- Look out for #1 ... of course, that's you!

- Self-made man/woman.

Individuality:

- "Thy will be done." God's will comes first.

- We are His workmanship. {Ephesians 2:10 (KJV): For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.}

- "Lord, what will you have me to do?" {Acts 9:6 (KJV): And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.}