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GOD MADE US ALL UNIQUE, WITH DIFFERENT GIFTS, SO THAT WE COULD COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER, NOT COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER.
bout ten years ago, some of my good friends and I decided to start running. I never enjoyed running, but because it was something we did together, I learned to love it. As we trained for our first half marathon, each week we met a new goal by running farther than we ever had. It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment working our way up to 13.1 miles. Once race day finally came, we were inspired by seeing elderly runners, handicapped runners, cancer survivors, and kids all running alongside of us. It wasn’t at all about who finished first, it was just about our own personal journey and encouraging everyone else that was out there that day. It was about feeling thankful that we were healthy, and that it was easier for us to finish the race than it was for so many others. If we would’ve been worried about where we placed, it would’ve robbed us of all the joy we felt. Paul writes in Galatians 6:2-6 “2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who
receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.” It is so easy to look at social media and compare ourselves to others. Very seldom does anyone publicize their failures, so things may seem great from the outside looking in, but what it took to get there is another story. When we compare ourselves to others, we become more critical of ourselves and feel the constant need to prove ourselves. Paul is writing to the Galatians trying to teach them to do their best and look at their own accomplishments individually and to work together with others without comparing to others. God made us all unique, with different gifts, so that we could complement each other, not compete against each other. Pressure to be the best does not come from God. We are all loved equally. In the show industry, obviously you all have a goal to win, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look for the small victories along the way and be happy for others when they do well. Even if you don’t win, maybe you showed better than you’ve ever showed, maybe you made a new friend, or maybe you just really soaked up the quality time as a family. Every day that you get to do what you love and try your best should be a good day. Don’t let comparison steal your joy. •
BY: JENNIFER POAD, TX
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