As we go through life it is utterly impossible to not make a comparison. Whether you grew up liking Prince or Michael Jackson, Uncle Ben`s or Carolina rice, New York or Chicago style Pizza , Joy or Dawn dish washing liquid, ketchup by Heinz or Hunts, The Partridge Family or the Brady Bunch, the Giants or the Jets, The Yankees or the Mets... You compared just about everything to something or someone.
Today I was thinking about the twelve disciples of Jesus. Ordinary in physicality but extraordinary when yielded to the power of God. Upon reading the scripture we find that they too made comparisons among one another. You had here men from different walks of life, economic and educational backgrounds,and varied upbringings. Yet Christchose them because He knew what they were made of and how He would make even the most skilled fishermen... fish for and catch fish that were too susceptible to be eaten up by others.
Lord only knows the conversations they had , but the important thing was to realize that they were all called because of their individuality and not because they were cookie cutter followers. Some had tempers, others jockeyed for positions while yet one was a thief and betrayer, Truth be told we all could white out there names and put ours in their place. We all have been envious, prideful, quick to speak and slow to listen.
One of the things I love about this melting pot for ministry was that they heard the call, answered , dropped everything and followed Christ... did this mean that they were puppets and lost their identity ?, Certainly not... They believed in He who gave the invitation, but also learned through experience , object lessons, lack of faith and disobedience.
Everyone has a part to play in a band, on a team , in a play , at a place of employment as well as in the home. I think we stumble with comparing ourselves when we either do not know what our part is or if when reject it thinking that someone else has gotten a better contract so to peak. Our gifts are given to us by the Holy Spirit as He wills, we can never boast because we are not the creator , but were gifted to use the tool given.
The Jackson Five would not have been the J5 if Mike would have been a solo artist from the start. The other brothers because of their humanity, personality and upbringing could have felt dislike toward their family member only them and God knows how it was to live in their household.
Joseph understood full well what is was like to be chosen for a specific task. We can become covetous, indifferent and even mean to people for things they themselves had no control over. I am sure if you could ask Joseph if he knew that he would have to go through all he encountered he may tell you and God... I`m Good God , I will pass on this assignment ... get back to me when you have a less stressful , but more glamorous task. Other people seem to get recognized more often, but there is always a price to pay for that attention. For many it would be a blessing but for some it was likened to a curse. It is all in the way we think while we are being pruned.
The expectations of ourselves and others can cause us to become prideful or pitiful. Perception is most important.. God chose each and everyone for His good pleasure, Who am I to say God I think you have me mixed up with someone else with my same name because I am not certain I can carry this out.
And then He says I know full well who you are, who you are becoming and who you shall be, but you must understand that as long as you keep comparing yourself among yourselves , you will not be able to focus on the unique and awesome privilege of being chosen for such a time as this. I am speaking to you clearly and succinctly, instructing you on the types of people I have called you to minister to, have already provided everything spiritual blessing from above. And to top it off I have granted you assurance and the confidence of knowing that it is Me who works in you both to will and to do for my good pleasure.
Until the end of time the spirit of competition will live on. We must decide if we will allow it to taint our views or stifle our progress . The diversity of the Disciples shows us how God uses everyday people to do everlasting things. I pray that you always remember and never forget that although others may have your same name, come from the same geographical location , are in the same household, are applying for the same promotion, attending the same church or even have the same birthday you were created to make a mark that no one else can.
You as a snowflake are authentic , no one else has your fingerprints attached to their hands, nor God`s hand prints attached to your heart strings. Only Believe
Hidden In Him
Pretina J. Lowery
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