do you watch the BIGGEST LOSER and wish you could be as disciplined and self motivated as bob and jilian?
go to your childs school function and wish you were as crafty as "so and so's" mommy
see that couple at church and wish your marriage was as thriving as theirs seems to be
attend the neighbors christmas party and wish you could be as creative as she is
wish you could parent like susie straight skirt because her kids seem perfect
read or listen to your favorite leaders in your field and wish you were as successful as they are
I compare myself to others, not a lot but more than i should. when i get caught up in this trap heres what ive noticed happens: i get consumed with myself, i throw pity-parties, im hard to please and dissatisfied, i get a little arrogant and critical and i intentionally neglect spending time with god cause after all thats convicting and uncomfortable.
i am fearfully and wonderfully made. there is no one quite like me. god has a specific plan mapped out for my specific life. he has uniquely gifted me with strengths and talents and abilities that he has intended to use for a specific purpose. he desires to use me in unique ways to bring him glory. does that sound like a motivational tape? prob cause it is one that i play to myself when i struggle with this topic.
when i stop comparing myself to jesus and striving to be like him, i get all messed up. i have to pay attention to christ and how he lived and what he taught. i have to take the time to figure out how he has shaped me and how he has gifted me. i have to take the initiative to be who he has created me to be.
someone is always gonna be prettier, smarter, more disciplined, more creative, more successful and more EVERYTHING! dont get me wrong i think we can all learn from others and be challenged and inspired by how others live their lives. but comparing ourselves to anyone other than christ is a losing battle and a very frustrating way to live.
so lets stop saying i wish i could be more like _____________
and replace it with i want to be more like jesus. and look into scripture and see how to immitate him.
today, for me, its JOY.
what about you?
About Me
- ashleyneely
- I long to glorify Christ with my life! i seem to fail more than succeed but thats why his grace is so amazing!
Hey Ashley! I'm sure you have no idea who I am. I'm on staff at Antioch doing girls ministry so I've had lots of experiences hearing your husband speak and have loved watching you guys from a distance. I just want to say thanks for posting this. It was exactly what I needed today. I'm a new wife and can't tell you how many times I wish I could be "that" wife. Or "that" minister. Or "that" type of speaker. It's tough! But you're so right. I needed these words. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jordan. It's hard to NOT compare. Glad u were encouraged. It's been encouraging for me to know others can relate.
ReplyDeleteSo very true. With everything going on I keep wondering why it's SO easy for some and not for us. You are right I mean REALLY right. Every time I whine the hole gets bigger and I keep getting deeper. This is God's plan for my life in this season. He is all that matters! Thanks Ash!
ReplyDeleteYeah, you're right and all, or...you could only compare yourself to crappy people and small children.
ReplyDeleteThat's what i do and I feel phenomenal.
Timing - I just read the children's book "A Hat for Ivan" by Max Lucado last night to a group of ladies for a devotional time! If you've never read it, I recommend. (or, You are Special, or You are Mine, or Best of All - they are all similar and by him ---- and, there are pretty pictures :)) It's about trying to wear to many hats that don't belong to us to impress others and keep them happy. The hats all represent others talents and not our own. Those hats don't fit and cause problems. When we put those hats on or let others put them on us (through their expectations) we are stepping away from God being our focus and not trusting in God our CREATOR who knows us inside and out. We aren't really trusting that He knows the plan He has for us that will be accomplished through us being for HIM what HE created us to be!!! All to say --- the children's book made me stop and think - and the Spirit brought conviction. And on another note - it reminded me to not put hats on others or my children!
ReplyDeleteI thought I posted a comment yesterday... But apparently I did not. Anyway, basically, when I compare myself to others, it winds up being doubly bad. First, I see someone who is better than me at whatever and get discouraged. Then I don't even bother with doing the best I can do, because I know I'll never be better than said person. I learned this relatively recently and I think of all the missed opportunities in the past from having this mindset of "Since I can't be the best, I won't do my best" and it plain sucks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, I really needed to read it. Now I need to learn from it. I need to try to be like Jesus and stop trying to be like ____.
ReplyDelete