There is this thing that goes on perpetually which stymies progress. I believe that there is a culprit in our camp that shuts us down. It's strong. It's influential. And, it's mean.
For years I submitted to this rude intruder. I was found to be invisibly shackled by his clear voice that rang out with clarity in my head. Hesitation would be one fruit. Fear would be the strongest and most potent.
I speak of a very nasty human doctrine; comparison. Comparison is complexity in the simplest of forms. Complex because we strain to sort through the maze he offers. Simple in that He works undercover within our heads; going completely without notice.
This undercover agent thrashes our hearts as we compare how others are better; work, sports, intelligence, speaking ability, or social technique. Others always seem to be healthier, wealthier, wiser...on and on our lists give assumed proof...which causes a noticeble limp in spirit confidence.
Comparison is a thief with no gun.
Neither does he have a code to gain entry which signals his strength. He simply roams the terrain of our spirits as a normal friend who issues perpetual caution. While he poses as our friend to keep us from making mistakes, this villain hold us hostage with no weapons. We permit him to exploit our mind-set, ravage our intentions, and rearrange our thought dynamics.
When one lives by comparison, the understanding of any given situation is clearly not understood. This is the enemy's goal. Shut us down!
Mr. Comparison works by means of innocent distraction. Measurements are warped. Truth is fractured. Conclusions are erroneous. Yet, this invisible bully assures us that he is very much on our side to the extent that he whispers, I would like to spare you from embarrassment. If you try, you may fail. Wouldn't it be better to play it safe?
So what happens is we tend to move through life looking over our shoulders for who might be among us that would do a better job. Better...comparison. Another's better? An excuse for us to cling while we await someone more qualified to carry out the mission. More....qualified = Comparison.
We are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves to themselves, they are without understanding (II Cor. 10:12).
This explains why so many won't give ear to God's call. They know little about God (as was my case). To venture out into this deep could be seen as inadequate...by comparison...to those who can now roam the Bible with somewhat clarity.
This also exposes why the church is stuck. The individual call of God to serve others took a seat (a comfortable one) in the name of someone we know could do it better. How many times I hear that an effort worked because I'm Terry.
That is not true. I'm chicken. I'm a coward. I'm fiercely inadequate. But, I have utmost confidence in the Spirit of God. He does the resulting; not ever me. And so it is with all of us. Really.
We have allowed (permitted) a thief to enter the compounds of our minds and hold us at bay from abundant life. I urge you to drive this culprit out. Mr. Comparison puts the clamps on us which leads to neutralizing mediocrity.
If you want to do something meaningful for God and for others, lean into the Power. The secret (which Comparison tries his best to abolish) is always and only found in our weaknesses (II Cor. 12:9). The Power is always and only of God.
Set the excuses aside. We are armed with the qualifications to make us effective.
Holy Spirit prop us up! Comparison, get out of our way!
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