Making Comparisons

"Jesus said to him, 'Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.' This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, 'Follow Me.' Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, 'Lord, who is the one who betrays You?'  Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, 'But Lord, what about this man?' Jesus said to him, 'If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.'  John 21:17-22

Have you ever compared yourself to other Christians? Perhaps you looked down on some or perhaps you looked in awe at others thinking, "I could never be like them!" The fact of the matter is that each one of us called to God's purpose - gifted by His Spirit - and neither His purpose or our spiritual gifts were choices that we made. We cannot take credit for any of it. It's all God. None of us are less or more in the Body of Christ - we are like pieces of a puzzle that when put together make a beautiful picture. Each piece is unique and has its own unique place in the picture that God painted.

Our challenge is to rest in that and praise God for using us in that place. Like the parable of the talents.

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money." - Matthew 25:14-18

Some Christians lean into their purpose - always watching for the opportunities God provides for them to fulfill the purpose He has for them - exercising their spiritual gifts, no many how many or how great or small, that He has given them for His glory and the good of others. Then there are others who do nothing with what they have been given. Hiding them in their hearts - content with just being saved. 

Your purpose may not be glorious in the eyes of others, but it is magnificent in the eyes of the Father. You gifts may not be many and they may not significant in the eyes of men, but they are marvelous in the heart of the Father.  God has made a place for you in the picture He has painted. My encouragement to you is to fulfill your God-ordained destiny. Take your place in the Body of Christ. Use your spiritual gifts for the glory of God and the good of mankind. Let people see Jesus in you. Hear and heed Jesus' words when He says to you, like to Peter, "You follow Me!"

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone