Being Human: What is Normal Anyway?

Photo by Farid Karimi on Unsplash

What does it mean to be “normal”? In today’s world, we define “normal” by comparing people to statistical averages. But the concept of “normal” is a social construct, not a divine truth. God never defined humanity by comparison or conformity to averages, but by our unique identity rooted in relationship, as His image bearers. Scripture goes to great lengths to highlight our differences, the beauty in diversity, and the strength of differing gifts, celebrating the reality that we are all unique.

We have constructed our society around the assumed average person rather than actual human diversity. When someone doesn’t fit that mold, it’s not the individual who fails; it's the system that is flawed by design.

Each of us is a mix of strengths and limitations. Some people may need mobility aids, others process information differently, and still others may communicate in unique ways. These are all just variations of being human. Rather than designing society around averages, what if we implemented universal design, reshaping our systems so everyone can thrive?

Imagine what it would be like if the first thing people saw when they met you was your greatest weakness or limitation. “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Sadly, some people don’t take time to know someone who presents differently. Yet every person is created in God’s image, gifted for the body of Christ, and designed to glorify God. Throughout Scripture, God chooses and works through people the world might overlook. Jacob wrestled with God and was struck in the hip. The man born blind in John 9 was meant to display the works of God. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was made mute until his tongue was loosed. Even in his silence, he played a role in the redemption story. The man at the Beautiful Gate in Acts 3, who had been lame since birth, was healed by Peter and John, fueling the spread of the Gospel. Moses described himself as slow of speech. Paul spoke of a thorn in his flesh. These weren’t exceptions to God’s plan; they were part of God’s plan.

Normal is not about fitting a mold or being average; it’s about living fully as the person God created you to be. Our value isn’t measured by ability or inability; it is given by our Creator, intentionally and lovingly.

We are all limited. We are all vulnerable. And we are all deeply loved.

Our vulnerability, limitations, or weaknesses are an opportunity for God’s power and presence to be revealed in ways that transcend human expectations. “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). In God’s kingdom, weakness is not failure. Vulnerability is not shame. These are the very places where God’s strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9), where His power is displayed and His glory revealed. Our limits often make us more aware of our dependence on Him and more open to His grace.

To be human is not to be self-sufficient. We all rely on others in various ways and to different degrees throughout our lives. We’re all on a spectrum of ability and limitation. None of us is whole in ourselves.

In truth, we are all completely dependent on God for each breath, for strength, hope, and salvation. Those whom society calls “limited” or “impaired”, the “exceptional”, often demonstrate this dependence more freely and purely. And in doing so, they reveal a deep spiritual truth: we all need God, as all have limits, impairments, and areas of exception, and we are all wonderfully made.

To honor God in His beautiful and diverse creation, we should look at the whole person: their joys, insights, passions, and gifts. We should also look at the whole creation, recognizing that nature itself thrives on diversity, resilience, and interdependence. We can help create a world where the diversity of humanity is not a problem to be solved, but a vital part of the tapestry of life, a world where we love and support one another, glorifying our Creator in His marvelous creation.