For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
My little friend Paige got a new camera for her birthday. Her Mum sent me a few of her artistic pictures and this one makes a great visual for my thoughts this week. Thank you Paige. A leaf and a stone; two very diverse things in so many ways; one autumn red, one white, one living,(well it was once), and one with no life at all; one soft and pliable and one hard; one smooth, the other with texture. Both so different, yet together they make a pretty picture. When I was writing "Faithfulness" last week I had further thoughts regarding our giftedness which I wanted to address further....there's always more!
In first Corinthians 12:4-11 Paul speaks about the different kinds of spiritual gifts that God has given to each on of us, then from verse 12 he goes on to compare them with the various parts of our human body and the different functions they have. He says that the if the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it." He says that it would be very strange indeed if the body only had one part.
A truth Paul addresses here is the importance that we value our uniqueness and not think, or say, that because we don't have a visible function in the body of Christ, (such as an intercessor, or support worker), we are no less important. Likening it to the body he says in verse 22, "In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary." (You can think through that example yourself!)
Our challenge is not to compare ourselves with others; either in our spiritual gifts or in our natural talents and work. In 2 Corinthians 10:12 Paul says that to compare ourselves with others in any way is unwise. Some translation says 'unspiritual'. We will never be the same as anyone else, even if we have the same gift. Why? Because each of us is unique and will operate in our giftedness in a different way. That doesn't make us any less or any better than our neighbour. It means, that God needs us to be as he created us to be and God has put each part just where he wants it. May we be able to say with the psalmist, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14
My job is to remain available and faithful and allow God to use me how and where he wants me... and to joyfully cheer others on in their tasks. Valuing our own uniqueness is the key to being able to walk through life making the contribution we are created for in the most effective way.
Prayer: Father God, thank you that I was created for your special purpose. Help me to not fall into the trap of comparing myself with others, but to faithfully be all that you want me to be. Amen
