Comparing Light
“For
jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly,
unspiritual, and demonic. For
wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder
and evil of every kind.”
~James 3:15-16
~James 3:15-16
Ever fall into the jealousy and comparison trap? Yeah, me too; however, this verse sort of freaks me out. I certainly do not want to do anything “demonic” or find myself in disorder and evil of any kind. But, we can find ourselves there and spiral down into a pit of hate if we allow it to continue. Basically, when we do this, we are saying to God that the gifts you have given to me are just not good enough.
To quote my teacher and founder of Holy
Yoga, Brooke Boon: “To compare myself with others is to intentionally look
Christ in the face and say, ‘you are not enough’ what you have for me and that
your Word promises, is not enough. It’s to say that the temporal fix from
believing that I am ‘better than her’ or ‘it’s all her fault’ is more secure
than the act of Christ on the cross.” WOW…that will make you rethink your
behavior.
Instead of trying to measure up or get a
bigger platform…I need to lean into Him. I need to work on my own heart and
focus on the ministry right in front of my eyes. God has us placed exactly where
we are for a reason. Let’s lead right where we are and focus on those within
our circle.
“Make
it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and
work with your hands.” 1 Thess 4:11
We each have our own gifts…it’s our choice
to use them for God’s glory or not. We are not here to make a name for
ourselves…we are here to make Jesus’ name known.
Comparing lights with others only brings
unwanted feelings. The only light we
should ever compare ourselves to is Jesus’.
He is the only one we should strive to be like.
“Make a careful exploration of who you are
and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be
impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must
take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”
~Galatians 6:4-5
Focus:
You have a seat at the table – tune out the other voices and listen to the One
voice that matters. You are a daughter of the King. Put on the armor of Light!
See the people right in front of you. Make a difference in their lives. Build
small, love, and serve your real life people.
Zoom
in (journal): Do you seek attention from
everyone other than God? Do you wish for what others have? What steals your
joy? What gifts do you have that you can use for His glory? Journal your
thoughts.
Capture:
Did you notice when you started to compare yourself to others today? Did you
stop it in its tracks? This is a daily battle – fight for your faith!
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