Written by Elizabeth Cooledge Jenkins, a contemporary writer and minister. This is an excerpt from the book “A Beautiful Year in the Bible.”
Many of us experience the temptation to compare our own paths to the paths of others. Seeing others thrive in their ministries, careers, or personal lives can make us feel as though our own achievements are not enough. Like Saul did with David, we often feel as though other people’s success threatens our own. Social media amplifies these feelings, cultivating a culture of competition and comparison…God’s callings often look vastly different for each of us. Recognizing the uniqueness of our callings can free us from our tendencies to compare and compete… No one’s calling is more important than anyone else’s…We find our callings by listening to God’s voice stirring within. We pay attention to the gifts God has given us; we look for creative ways to love God and others well and to sow seeds of peace and justice in our world…Our contributions are measured not by their visibility but by our faithfulness. We can serve joyfully, trusting in God’s wisdom and timing. Let us participate uniquely in God’s Kingdom work as our authentic selves.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began [2 Timothy 1:8-9]
