It’s only natural to compare ourselves to others and wonder how we measure up. Are we as tall, strong, or smart as the next guy? And while sometimes we’re just curious and fascinated about our differences, often this becomes a point of insecurity. We must remember to live up to our own standards before God and not to the false comparisons we make with others.
God has created us each with our own body types and temperaments, gifts and abilities. And there are certain things we can do really well and many other things we can’t.
But being different is not necessarily comfortable and so we try to fit in with others – constantly comparing ourselves to them and desperately trying to change accordingly.
This tends to lead only to more frustration, disappointment, and feelings of failure when it seems we can never live up to their standards.
Freedom and peace is found by removing this expectation and striving to live up to our own.
Who has God called us to be?
We don’t have to worry about trying to be someone else. We just have to focus on becoming all God has created us to be.
Are we investing in our excellence and living up to our capacity – pursuing our personal best?
Meeting our own standards is not selling ourselves short and simply settling for the least we can get away with. In fact, more is often required of us.
But it does shift our focus away from others and back to God and our faithful stewardship before him.
As such, we can humbly accept we won’t always be the smartest, strongest, or most talented in a particular area. But we still have our own unique excellence in the service of God’s kingdom. And it’s here that God will hold us responsible.
Celebrate the talents and gifts of others. And remember you’re not trying to meet their same standards. Peace is found in meeting the standards of who God has uniquely crafted you to be.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
