Comparing Gifts

<p>Do you ever feel down when you see others doing big things? Do you feel like you would never be able to serve like they do or make as big of an impact?<br><br>Just because someone is better at something, or has found more success than you have, doesn’t mean what you’re doing isn’t good. We can’t base the value of our accomplishments on what others have done.<br><br>God has given you your talents and gifts for a reason. He knows the plans He has for your life. It’s not good to get caught up in what others have going on or try to compare yourself to them. God doesn’t make mistakes. He didn’t mess up when He made you. And He loves you—no matter what you’ve accomplished.<br><br>We might not always feel as smart or as talented as the next person, but we weren’t meant to compare ourselves to others. Our gifts are between us and God—and so is how we use them. We don’t have to prove ourselves to others. When we see other people succeeding while we’re still trying to figure things out, we don’t have to be down on ourselves. Instead, the Holy Spirit empowers us to celebrate other people’s successes with them! And we can come to Jesus with all our disappointments and frustrations, knowing that He is not disappointed or frustrated with us. As we rely on Him, He will guide us in how to use our talents and gifts to honor God and serve His people. • Bethany Acker<br><br>• In what ways do you struggle with comparing yourself to others? <br><br>• Romans 12 says that, as Christians, we are all part of the body of Christ, and just like a body has many parts with many different functions, so we are all different from each other. But we are still part of the same whole, and we all belong to each other. So, if one of us is honored, the rest of us can rejoice too (1 Corinthians 12:26). How could you encourage others when you see them using their natural talents or spiritual gifts to honor God and serve His people?<br><br>We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans 12:6a (NIV)</p>