Kicking Comparison
“For you created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well… all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16
Hi friends! (From Becky Watson)
Have you been able to identify some areas in which you find yourself bound up by comparison? Are you identifying those thoughts and kicking them out of your head, replacing them with renewed focus on the bigger picture of who and what you are living for? Don’t let Satan distract you from fully living into God’s calling on your life! God has big plans that involve YOU!
On Sunday we talked about how the play out of comparison in our lives can be twofold: We rank ourselves below others in our area of calling, paralyzing us with feelings of inadequacy. Second, we compare ourselves to those we perceive to be a threat to our area of giftedness and convince ourselves we rank higher than them for purposes of self-preservation. In both aspects, comparison robs us of joy and allows Satan to thwart us from living out God’s full potential for our lives. Our fears and pride distract us, causing us to take our eyes off God.
How Can We Overcome Comparison?
The world tell us to focus on your strengths and believe in yourself. (Not all bad advice, but it’s really about being aware of our weaknesses and believing in a powerful God.)
Scripture tells us to do something different: 1. Comparison to others doesn’t determine our value
We have to remember that God created us just like he wants us (knowing in advance what He would call us to do) and we have to trust God in our calling.
Psalm 139:13-16 “For you created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well… all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
2. God will equip us to carry out our calling
Joshua 1:5, 9 “As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
… and REMEMBER ALL the AMAZING thingshe did to help Moses free the Israelites from Egypt!! (provides Aaron to co-speak, staff into snake trick, the 10 plagues, parted the red sea… and so much more!!) Seriously!!! WOW!!
3. Work hard to please God, not men
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
It’s not about what people think of you – whether they think you are the best or the worst, whether they give you praise – it is about what God has called you to do and your obedience to living that out; living a life that gives Him honor.
4. Thank God for great people He gives us to partner with (rather than fearing them as a threat.
Embrace them/Partner with them!
Philippians 2:3 “…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.“
Remember, God will move things around according to His purpose for your life.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
5. Don’t let Satan stay in your head with comparisons
2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
1 Peter 5:8-9a “Be alert and of sober mind.Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
I am fired up about all the amazing things God is calling us to, and am so excited for our journey together. May attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, affirmation of your belovedness, trusting obedience, unfathomable peace and simple AMAZEMENT of God be with you all!!!
Love to you,
-Becky Watson