We all have “quirks” and individual “peculiarities” that seem to identify us personally. These “quirks” and “peculiarities” are not necessarily bad...they can often be endearing characteristics that draw us to others and others to us. But they can be very bad when they become an impediment to the leading of the Holy Spirit. For instance...are there people in your life the Spirit is wanting you to befriend and help, but yours and/or their “quirks” and “peculiarities” keep you from being obedient?...or maybe there is some aspect of ministry God has been calling you to, but you object because you can't get past your “quirks” and “peculiarities.” If the truth were known, often we embrace our “quirks” and “peculiarities” refusing to set them aside so that the Spirit of God can have control of our lives. This is part of what Jesus was getting across to “would-be” disciples:

“Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple. (Luke 14:26-27 the Message paraphrase)

I know folks who see themselves and try to present themselves as “athletes” or “professionals” or “glamorous” or “red-necks” or “leaders” or “private persons” (the “quirks” and individual “peculiarities” list goes on...) but they have a hard time ministering to folks who are not like them or folks who do not pay tribute to their “quirks” and individual peculiarities.” The truth is...hanging on to our “quirks” and individual “peculiarities” are part of our residual sin natures and will impede God's working in us and through us. Without question, God created us as individuals, we all do have “quirks” and individual “peculiarities,” but when we cling to these, our commitment to the indwelling Christ will inevitably be distorted and sometimes destroyed. We need to be careful and discerning about his aspect of our lives. My prayer for you and me this day is this...Lord, you've made us so wonderfully different, but never let us cling to our personal differences at the expense of obeying Your word and allowing the Spirit to work in and through us. Amen.

When I think of putting aside my own “quirks” and “peculiarities,” I think of the words of this song:

We are called to take His light To a world where wrong seems right, What could be too great a cost sharing life with one who's lost? Thru His love our hearts can feel All the grief they bear; They must hear the words of life Only we can share.
People need the lord, At the end of broken dreams He's the open door.
Walk with the King today and be a blessing.