Comparison is sowing doubt into our lives
By Bryan Mangerchine
Picture a flower.
A flower doesn't compare itself to other flowers, does it? Flowers don't compare themselves to trees. They can't really think for themselves. If they did and they thought about themselves and compared themselves to the other plants that they are growing around, I propose they'd probably destroy themselves, or they wouldn't grow into the flower that they were supposed to be, the flower they were created to be.
Picture a flower.
A flower doesn't compare itself to other flowers, does it? Flowers don't compare themselves to trees. They can't really think for themselves. If they did and they thought about themselves and compared themselves to the other plants that they are growing around, I propose they'd probably destroy themselves, or they wouldn't grow into the flower that they were supposed to be, the flower they were created to be.
The truth is, every single one of us is unique, uniquely created. Why do we look at each other and compare each other to one another? Why do we look at so-and-so and say, "Man, I wish I had their nose," or, "Man, look how happy their life seems," or, "Man, I wish I had skills like that person."
Comparison is sowing doubt into our lives.
Comparing is not an option in the kingdom. Remember when the disciples came to Jesus and they were talking about it to Jesus - "who's the greatest in the kingdom? So-and-so was thinking it was this guy, so-and-so was thinking it was this guy. I don't know, but can you settle this for us?"
And Jesus goes, "Unless you're like a bunch of children, you don't even know it. You can't even inherit the kingdom message." Unless you dramatically change your thinking and become teachable like a little child. That’s what He says and that's a good message for us to hear.
And Jesus goes, "Unless you're like a bunch of children, you don't even know it. You can't even inherit the kingdom message." Unless you dramatically change your thinking and become teachable like a little child. That’s what He says and that's a good message for us to hear.
Then He goes on to say, "Whoever continually humbles himself to become like a child is the greatest."
So that means to be the greatest I have to continually humble myself. That didn't feel like I thought it was going to feel, Jesus.
Matthew 18:3-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
To grow in our maturity, it doesn't happen by looking at how someone else handles situations and trying to emulate it. It happens by humbling ourselves and receiving the love and acceptance of the Father.
Matthew 18:3-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
To grow in our maturity, it doesn't happen by looking at how someone else handles situations and trying to emulate it. It happens by humbling ourselves and receiving the love and acceptance of the Father.
Lord, Thank you that you have created me to be completely unique, purposely different to others. I pray we will learn to celebrate our differences instead of comparing them. Lord, help us to receive your love and acceptance everyday and to continually humble ourselves and become teachable like a little child. Amen
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