Amos

As we studied Amos this week one thing that really stood out to me is how God uses us for who we are. He does not in any way ask us to change into something we are not. This is a different way of thinking then the thinking of this world. I am sure we have all found our self in a place, or situation where you felt as though you  had to change, or stop being  yourself in order to do what is asked, expected, required, or demanded of you. We are told what to do and how to do it. You are given no freedom to express yourself, or use your skills. God created us all different and He takes great delight in our uniqueness. There maybe times when you really do have to do something a certain way. Somethings really can only be done one way. The problem is when we are told that every thing must be done one way, with no room for change or creativity.
The lyrics to this song by Harry Chapin is a great illustration of this.

The little boy went first day of school
He got some crayons and started to draw
He put colors all over the paper
For colors was what he saw
And the teacher said.. What you doin' young man
I'm paintin' flowers he said
She said... It's not the time for art young man
And anyway flowers are green and red
There's a time for everything young man
And a way it should be done
You've got to show concern for everyone else
For you're not the only one

And she said...
Flowers are red young man
Green leaves are green
There's no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen

But the little boy said...
There are so many colors in the rainbow
So many colors in the morning sun
So many colors in the flower and I see every one

Well the teacher said.. You're sassy
There's ways that things should be
And you'll paint flowers the way they are
So repeat after me.....

And she said...
Flowers are red young man
Green leaves are green
There's no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen

But the little boy said...
There are so many colors in the rainbow
So many colors in the morning sun
So many colors in the flower and I see every one

The teacher put him in a corner
She said.. It's for your own good..
And you won't come out 'til you get it right
And all responding like you should
Well finally he got lonely
Frightened thoughts filled his head
And he went up to the teacher
And this is what he said.. and he said

Flowers are red, green leaves are green
There's no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen

Time went by like it always does
And they moved to another town
And the little boy went to another school
And this is what he found
The teacher there was smilin'
She said...Painting should be fun
And there are so many colors in a flower
So let's use every one

But that little boy painted flowers
In neat rows of green and red
And when the teacher asked him why
This is what he said.. and he said

Flowers are red, green leaves are green
There's no need to see flowers any other way
Than the way they always have been seen. 

This is not what God wants He wants you to be creative, and have freedom to use your skills and talents. The book of Amos is full of examples of how God used Amos' skills. The prophecies that Amos spoke over Israel are filled with expressions of nature and illustrations of farming and shepherding. This is what Amos did he was a shepherd and farmer. These are the skills and talents that Amos had, and God used them to speak to a nation. Just like God you need to recognize and use your skills and talents, then call and point out others peoples skills. Sometimes all you need is a little help and encouragement to be yourself.