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One Size Fits All

  • January 8, 2018
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

“One Size Fits All.”

What is the first thought that goes through your mind when you see that printed on a piece of clothing you’re about to try on? If you’re like most people it’s probably skepticism. Now don’t get me wrong. I am not calling clothing manufacturers liars. Far from it! However, I will say that when they bring in their group of people on which they want to test these items, none of the people in that group are…

shaped like me…

or anyone I know…

or anyone on planet Earth.

Bottom line is that things which are designed to fit most people often don’t fit anyone, at least not well. They are designed to be generic, hoping to accommodate the greatest number of people but seem to do just the opposite.

Of course, there is an alternative. You could have everything you wear custom made. That would guarantee everything you wear would be comfortable, fashionable, and a perfect fit for you and only you. Personally, I think this is a wonderful solution. Unfortunately, my bank account disagrees. Custom clothing is expensive and simply too far out of the budget for people who are…

paid like me…

or anyone I know.

Ultimately, the solution for most people is to buy off the rack, picking the sizes that match us as closely as possible. It’s not as easy as “One Size Fits All,” and it’s not as unique as custom made, but it’s the best we can do.

Isn’t it nice to know that everything in life doesn’t work like this? Take education for example. Classroom teachers struggle every year with the balance that comes between wanting to provide individualized instruction while trying to meet the needs of the classroom as a whole. Thankfully the hands and heart of a skilled educator can balance these two things and help their students accomplish both individual and collective goals.

Teachers aren’t the only people who accomplish this balance. Parents will tell you that their children are unique yet similar in many ways. It takes tremendous skill, patience, and work to be able to raise children so that their individual needs can be met while at the same time maintaining a fair and equal treatment of every child in the family.

So why does this work in some situations and not in others? I think it comes down to love. The big clothing manufacturers and the tailors who create custom designs don’t love the customers who buy their clothes, just the money they spend. It’s not a bad thing – but it is true. Parents and teachers build relationships with their children and students that go much deeper. This love directs them to go farther, work harder, try more things, and push until the balance is achieved and success is assured. What could be greater than that?

I’m glad you asked!

The love we have for our children is strong, but it pales in comparison to the love that God has for His children. While creating the universe, God chose to save His best for last. We are His masterpiece, created in His own image. This makes us unique to everything else in the universe and dearly loved. I can only imagine how much it hurt God when Adam and Eve sinned and brought death into our world. Theirs may have been the first act of disobedience against God’s word, but know that it has been followed up by all people including…

me…

and everyone I know…

and every other person on Earth – past, present, and future.

Thankfully, God’s deep love for us compelled Him to provide for us a way to forgiveness, restoration, and salvation. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived among us, died and rose again to claim victory over death and sin on all our behalves! This makes God’s plan of salvation in Christ perfectly tailored for each one of us while at the same time provides a love that is truly One Size Fits All!

If anyone asks you what label you’re wearing, tell them there’s actually three: the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. That way they too can know that God’s love is designed not only for everyone, but especially for you.

 

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

LSEM Director of Programs & Services