Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
We all get caught up in comparing ourselves to others don’t we? We compare ourselves to our friends, family members, classmates, co-workers, celebrities, models, actors, writers, musicians, artists…the girl next-door etc. It is never ending! And what is the one thing it seems most of us are glued to 24/7 nowadays? Our phones. We compare ourselves to others social media status’ all day long.
Lately I’ve found myself getting caught up in comparing myself to others who are doing similar work I am doing for God through my writing. I sometimes read a quote or a status update or a blog or see a beautiful picture or piece of art someone else created and wonder how in the world can I compare to that???
When I realize I am doing this I have to make a conscious effort to STOP! This is NOT a competition. This is NOT about ME.
This is about glorifying God!!!
I attended a Christian women’s conference for speakers and writers back in July. In preparation during the weeks leading up to that weekend, I connected with many attendees on social media who were also going to be there. As I began to see their platforms and the work they were doing and the stories they were sharing, I began to feel extremely insecure about my work. I began to feel insecure about my calling. I didn’t feel good enough. I just write these little blogs here, post inspirational quotes on Twitter and pictures from my life on Instagram. Most of the women I began connecting with seemed light years further along in their walk with God. Their words seemed to flow like honey. They were more knowledgeable about the Bible and spoke scripture from memory and told stories that I had never heard before. Meanwhile I was fumbling to find words period. It didn’t even occur to me that my platform is a ministry until I was in the presence of 800 other women, who have been called to do the same thing. Insecurity crept up behind me big-time.
I have been born again and I am ALIVE again in Christ but I am only beginning as far as learning the Bible. I am a total newbie at this for lack of a better term. I grew up in church but I never listened. I am listening NOW because I NEED it.
I must remind myself that my journey is not the same as anyone else’s. It’s not supposed to be! Neither is yours. We each bring glory to God in our own ways with our own unique voices. The power of “me too” moments creates a sense of unity and belonging. But since we are speaking to many different people, some might relate to my stories more than another writer or speaker and vice versa. Someone might be reading this at this very moment thinking “what the heck is she talking about???” 😉 The bottom line is that each of us has a unique message to share with the same goal of bringing those who are far from God closer to Him.
Whatever or whoever it is you are comparing yourself to today…stop. God has a unique vision for your life that only you can live out. Nobody else will ever walk in your shoes and know exactly how you feel. And you cannot walk in anyone else’s.
I wrote this message this morning and as I was scrolling my social media this afternoon before I sat down to type I saw this prayer…I thought it fit perfectly. (Scrolling isn’t necessarily a bad thing!)
“Lord, today I take my eyes off anyone else’s assignment and I thank You for the beauty of mine.” ~ Suzie Eller
Amen!
Don’t be a beige, square hole! Shine your glorious awesomeness in your own unique way!
Blessings,
Stacey ~ iamalive
