Happy Friday, Friends:
I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!
How is it already May 1st?!
I am reading a wonderful book by Todd Mullins titled Don’t Let Doubt Take You Out: Replacing Fear and Doubt with Faith and Truth. In Chapter 4, The Comparison Game: Why nobody wins and how to stop playing, I came to a part that really stood out to me. I want to share it with all of you this morning.
“Anytime we compare ourselves to others – what they have or what they’ve accomplished – it can only lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. We end up undervaluing the good in our lives because it doesn’t seem as good as what others have in their lives. Comparison is more than a harmless habit; it is a corrosive force that undermines our self-worth and distorts our perception of reality. When we measure our lives against the perceived success or happiness of others, we fail to see the unique journey God has laid out for us. Instead of celebrating our own achievements and blessings, we become fixated on what we lack.”
Pretty powerful, isn’t it? I want to share a few more things with you and simply allow you and your Spirit to work through them.
Galatians 6:4-5
4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.
Hebrews 12:1-3
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Galatians 1:10
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
“When you compare yourself to others, you either elevate them and devalue yourself or you elevate yourself and devalue them. Neither is pleasing to God.” – Unknown
“Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Oliver James
Friends, you are a unique, beautiful, one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Please simply become all that you were created to become and use all that you are to love, care for, and serve others. Truly, when it comes to you, there is no comparison!
I want to close with another excerpt from this great book. It is found in Chapter 5, When Doubt Drives You to Dependency.
“…the way you see yourself is not the way God sees you. God sees all the gifts and abilities He has put inside you. Often we focus on our flops, failures, and mistakes. We think, “How could God use me? I have messed up so badly.” But God is not worried about how much you’ve messed up; He wants you to step up and become the person He’s created you to be.”
Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is ever anything I can do for you. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious family, be kind, and stay well!
Kev
