Getting Over Ourselves

Ever wished you were someone or something else?

Ever been jealous of someone else’s talent, ability or strength?

I have… and I’ve come to realize it was a waste of emotional energy.

I used to have thick, wavy hair—but I wanted straight hair. I tried everything (products, hair straightening, etc) but a few drops of rain later, my hair went right back to it’s default fluff.

I’ve always been artistic and creative—but I was jealous of the natural athlete. I wanted to be a “jock” but my efforts proved futile. I just had more success with a paint brush than a golf club or baseball bat.

I have often admired leaders who seem to be able to whip a crowd into an emotional frenzy, yet I am incredibly rational and mellow. I tend to operate in the gift of wisdom more than the gift of explosion.

Maybe God knew what He was doing when He formed me in my mother’s womb…

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT)

That’s pretty encouraging: “in his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.”

“There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” (1 Corinthians 12:5-6 NLT)

What a relief! God is working through us, in different and unique ways.

The Bible warns us that comparing (ourselves with others) is not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12). My guess is, most people waste emotional energy on comparisons, envy and jealousy. I’m doing my best to be different (and be me). I’m saying no to comparisons, no to jealousy, and no to envy.

Envy, jealousy and comparing are self-centered activities.

So, what’s the antidote or cure for that natural, human tendency to slip into self-centeredness?

Serve. Put others first.

After all, that’s what God gave you those gifts, strengths and abilities for… to serve others, to be a blessing and to make a difference.

It’s time for us to get over ourselves and really dig in to serving!