Are We All Really Created Equal?

Are We All Really Created Equal?

Eileen Renders

The question, “Are we all really created equal?” depends upon our perception of what is meant by that question. We can all agree that some of us are physically bigger and stronger than others, and many of us are more intelligent or attractive than others. Some are born without limbs and must, therefore, depend on others for simple tasks such as going to the bathroom or eating. Some are born without sight. With compassion, at some time in our lives, we may turn to God and ask, “Why do you allow this to occur?”

Nick Vujicic, known as the limbless evangelist, has traveled to over 600 prisons across America those imprisoned to share hope that even while being imprisoned, they can find hope and freedom. Too, we have seen those who are blind sit down at a piano who have never had music lessons and play like an expert, how do we comprehend these occurrences?

From the paragraph above, we can believe that while some are born with definite disadvantages, God does compensate for that to provide more than just a means of coping, but often, a special way of enjoying and sharing God’s ways. But what is it, you might wonder, that God shares with those whom we share our compassion and pray for? It is a strong spirit! What, then, is a strong spirit?

Romans 8:26 In the Catholic Bible in Romans, it talks about a strong spirit and understanding, and emphasizes the Holy Spirit in helping believers in their weaknesses. “We do not know what to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit’s intercession is aligned with God’s will.” This indicates the Spirit provides believers with a deeper understanding of their faith and the divine plan for us.

When we do not understand certain specifics of life, In Issaiah 55:8-9 Jesus is quoted as saying, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways; so high is my mind that I cannot be equal to them.” This quote portrays how His thoughts and ways far surpass human understanding. God allows disabilities and handicaps for reasons we may not fully understand, but we can trust His wisdom and goodness (Romans 11:33-36). His thoughts and ways are higher than ours; we cannot see into the future as He does.

How do we attain a strong spirit?

Many evangelists will agree, a strong spirit is described as an inner strength and fortitude that is gained and strengthened through much time and focus in their relationship with God.

How can we strengthen our relationship with God?

1.     Through trust in God, our dependence and appreciation of His love and protection.

2.     When in doubt or confusion, ask yourself, “What would god want me to do, what might He do?”

3.     Accept your trials and crosses, call on God to give you strength and courage to follow Him. He does not give us more than we can bear. He walks beside us.

4.     Our faith and trust in Him provide us the strength and hope to accept that which we cannot change.

In each of our lives, God has given us freedom to choose as we wish. We can choose comfort over righteousness; however, that neither strengthens us nor deepens our relationship with God. When we choose wrong over right, we are not graced with wisdom, understanding, or a strong spirit. And we are not strengthening our relationship with God.