Comparisons

Sometimes as we reach the end of a year we try to reflect on all that we accomplished (or didn’t accomplish) through that time. I think in general it’s good to have reflection. It helps us to grow and to be thankful for the opportunities we have been given. The struggle is then how to do so with a personal focus and not comparing with our friends, colleagues, or family.

In a ministry focused life we have to have an understanding that our lives are for the Lord’s use. But what about when we feel like we haven’t accomplished enough for the Lord?

“I can’t teach as well them”

“I don’t have a family yet”

“I didn’t have many people show up for my group”

It is a real thing that many people experience in and out of full time ministry. I think when it comes to my own life, a healthy dose of self reflection actually helps fight this mentality! There is a thing called negativity bias, which means we’re more likely to remember the negative parts of any given thing, even our ministries and lives. Knowing this, be aware of your biases, and think about what HAS happened and how the Lord has used that.

For me it was looking at my parents lives and seeing that despite not being on the same timeline for our lifetime accomplishments we both were being used by God. When they were my age they had gotten married, were working full time jobs, and had me. I have not done those things, but that doesn’t mean my ministry or life is less. God doesn’t value you less if you haven’t accomplished the same things as others.

What he does value is a life lived for the purpose of worshipping Him and spreading his great message of redemption and love. How that looks differs from person to person and each is a reflection of God’s glory.

Happy New Years and Glory be to God!