“The human body has many parts, but the may parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ … All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:12 & 27, NLT)
“God says, Follow Me. But instead of looking to the Lord, I sometimes look to the situations and qualities of others. I use they excuses, “Lord, they speak better … Lord, they are more outgoing than I am …Lord, they have more friends that I do.” Taking my eyes off God’s purpose for me and placing my eyes on someone else’s life shows a lack of contentment.
You must follow Me. He does not say if I want to or if it is easy. He says I must follow Him. God made me the way He did for a purpose. I am the only one who can follow God the way I can. You are the only one who can follow God the way you can. We must follow Him, and we must be content with our role while doing it.
Prayer: Gracious God, help me to never compare myself to others but to be content in who I am in You. Ma we each be content in following You. Amen.
(from Voices of the Faithful compiled by Kim P. Davis, page 282)
Today I am joining … Open Sunday Thoughts and Spiritual Sundays and Scripture & a Snapshot and Sunday Scripture Blessings .
Comparison does counteract unity, but I’d never thought of it in these terms. Such a good Sunday Scripture!
Michele, I hadn’t either. This devotional was eye opening to me as well.
“God made me the way I am for a purpose”…it’s funny, I say this to my kids all the time but it’s harder to make myself believe it. I fight against certain traits, thinking that others are better. But I know God gave me each one for a reason, even if it is just to humble the other half of me that feels like she’s got it together. Thank you for sharing, my friend.
Jamie, excellent thought! It is true that it is harder to believe for ourselves. But even that serves a purpose in our lives. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!
“I am the only one who can follow God the way I can.” Each of us is part of the whole – unity. Such an important lesson – in our families, in our local churches, and beyond!
Julie, it is such an important less and yet, one I often forget or push aside. May we remember to follow Him in the path He has set our for us, just us. Blessings!
It’s important for us to really believe and grasp that we are all essential to the body. Withdrawing from the body hurts the body.
Elizabeth, this here spoke deeply to me >> “Withdrawing from the body hurts the body.” Grateful you shared your thoughts with me!
Yes, may we each be content in following God and fulfilling the purpose He created us to fulfill.
Joanne,
What a beautiful prayer…praying it along with you. May I be content with the walk God has given me to walk and not fall into the comparison trap or dwelling on circumstances.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, we need to remind ourselves to stay focused on the purposes God has for our lives. May we not become distracted or discouraged but stand firm on His Word. Praying for you & RCF this morning! xo
Oh what a lovely reminder, your words. As reading, I was thinking that each time I do that I should write down, as you say, the special way that I was made…only me for whatever purpose instead of with jealousy sometimes of what gifts others might have. Thanks for such a blessing reminder. 🙂
Peabea@Peabea Scribbles
We would stay so focused if we made that list. The Lord would so affirm and encourage us and His purposes would grow in strength within us. Such a great suggestion!