If I Compare

It is almost Valentine’s Day. Many people will be spending this entire week planning to show their loved ones exactly how special they are while others will be doing everything possible to prove this day is insignificant. No matter what side of the fence we are on or how close we are to it, it will be hard to avoid the nasty habit of comparing ourselves to others. One thing you can always count on though is that the world is going to point out what we don’t have enough of according to it.

In my sobriety, I've had the pleasure of meeting many people who are committed to helping restore others to their full potential. Recently, I met someone incredibly unique who has dedicated his entire life to mentoring the spiritually broken. I asked this individual how he deals with relationships being that they transition so often and his response was impressive. Paraphrasing this man, he declared that the Lord was his first love. That what his own brokenness has taught him is to enter every relationship as a gift, and not only that, but a gift that he offers back to the Lord. Now, the world is notorious for making us believe that we are entitled to things that we really aren’t. What this man has managed to do is gain a true perspective of Christian priority. He is seeking the kingdom first and in doing so inspiring others to do the same.  

This week, I'm challenged to overcome the temptation to reach for the limited expectations of this world. If I compare myself to anyone, it will be to none other than Jesus Christ. By doing so, I can clearly see my sin and aim for a flawless standard of righteousness instead of the pointless superficiality of our world. May I learn to mimic all the qualities of His great and loving character and by doing so, offer a gift of my own. 

Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2