Daily Devotion - Psalm 139 - Fearfully And Wonderfully Made

Comparing Ourselves

Do you ever stop to this how we compare ourselves to others all the time? In this world of picture perfect social media, we see other people’s perfect life through the lens of their phone camera. Even though God tells us we are unique and we are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, we still fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others.

My Son’s

“Paxton, Stop acting like a baby. Stop talking like a baby, you aren’t a baby.” I scolded my almost three-year-old. In the past few weeks, my son had taken on all the characteristics of his younger baby brother. In his jealousy of his brother, he proceeded to crawl and cry to be held; he even started saying, “ma-ma” like it was his first time. Exhausted, I’d been watching for triggers. I looked everywhere for what might be causing his issues. Eventually, I noticed that every time I praised my youngest, made my youngest laugh, or picked my youngest up, his older brother was by my side trying to get attention.

Exhausted with his regression, I became frustrated. Even when I praised him for all the cool things he did, it didn’t seem to sink in. Why didn’t my oldest son receive my praise? Couldn’t he see that it wasn’t a matter of his brother or him being better? That the two of them were just different and equally loved? After all, they are unique and both fearfully and wonderfully made.

I Was Doing The Same Thing

Exasperated, I began to feel convicted. You see, I had been doing the same thing. I had been comparing my own journey to someone else.

I was also saying, “What about me?” while looking at someone else. I was trying to emulate a story that wasn’t my own. How many times had I wished to be or have what belonged to someone else? God’s desire was for me to live in the position he gave me.

Not to operate within the unique capacity and gifting that God has given me is a direct insult to my maker. Introverted? That’s how God made you. Extroverted? That’s how God made you. Singer? Yes, use that talent. Giving? Operate in his gifting. Service oriented? More power to you.