Cease the Comparison Game

From the heart of Dr. Kristi-

Cease the Comparison Game

Shell Island is named that because of the beautiful display of a multitude of different sizes and shapes of shells. They are everywhere. All different colors and textures litter the sand.

One day as I walked along the edge between the water and beach the large shells caught my attention first. They were huge. Then as I began to look closer, I found one whose shape was swirly and the brightest white I have seen. I bent down and found even smaller shells which looked transparent. Needless to say I was enjoying myself.

Yet once again, the Spirit began to speak to my heart. Kristi, don’t compare the sizes or beauty of the shells, they each serve a purpose. Just enjoy them.

Don’t we sometimes compare ourselves with others? We see someone has a bigger ministry or more important title at work and we feel devalued. We hear someone else praying and the thought that we could never pray that way runs through our minds which only minimizes the power in our own. You get the point.

Paul states in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 that we are all apart of one body. There are parts which are more visible and other parts hidden, but every part is necessary. We are all created with a purpose and part of the Church.

Every person is given a spiritual gift to edify the body of believers. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, "4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills." In the church, Children’s workers, nursery aids, and worship leaders allow parents and others to encounter Jesus during service. Encouragement, financial giving, praying with others, volunteering, and an array of many other activities shines the Light of Jesus on jobs and in the community. Each one of us is vital to God’s plan. Just like every shell has a purpose in the ocean.

However, when we compare ourselves to others, insecurities increase and we become paralyzed with fear. We are hindered from using those gifts and the body of believers suffers because we are not operating up to our potential. Brother or sister, you are vital to the kingdom of God. We need you to exercise your gifts without limitation. It is good that we do not sound the same or look the same.

Embrace your differences.  Walk confidently in who God has created and called you to be. Who knows, you might be the one that someone else was meant to find today. Your beauty will stand out to others when you shine for Jesus in the way that He designed you.