Comparison; Final Four
Well it is that time of the year that men and college students are glued to their television sets. March madness has begun. For the next few weeks we will be anxious to see which teams make it into the sweet sixteen, the elite eight and the final four. It is so exciting to see these college kids play their heart out and battle to be the best team in the NCAA. It is really a lot of fun to speculate and pull for a team, especially if they make it to the final game. It is filled with upsets and disappointments as hopes and dreams are dashed and some Cinderella team comes from nowhere to beat a team that is ranked much higher. It is also a great time for some team to stay focused and win a title.
This happens in our spiritual lives. Comparison lulls us into thinking that we do not measure up. We are not worthy and not accomplishing anything of significance. We compare ourselves to others and feel insecure in that we are not accomplishing as much as a friend or another person. This happened in John 21, when Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me”, and Peter tried to divert the whole emphasis, when he asked Jesus to talk about John’s life (v21). It is about doing our best for the Lord and not comparing ourselves with someone else. It is not about how much or how many but about doing your best with what you have. God asked Moses to use the simple staff and it became the rod of God. The little lad had to give his meager lunch to the Lord. Don’t look at the highly successful Christians; they are not looking at you. Pay attention to the game that God has you in right now. Serve the Lord in such a way to gain His attention and you will be in His final four, you will get the attention of ONE! He is the one who has called you into the so-called game.
1. Realize that God is watching me.
2. The task He has assigned to me matters. Keep your eyes on your own paper.
3. My family is my major ministry. Family responsibilities trump work, church and hobbies.
4. What someone else is doing is none of my business, except to pray for them to succeed. Jealousy and covetousness is addressed many times in scripture.
5. Obedience is the issue that we need to stay focuses. What has God asked of you? Are you doing it for His glory?
6. We will be rewarded for our faithfulness in our individual situation.
