(Continued)
Comparing ourselves to others can cause us to become distracted and throw us off course from focusing on what God has called us to.
This works in both instances, when others have success or failure: When in an environment where everyone stagnates and doesn't accomplish much it's very easy to settle for the mediocre/average because there's nothing pushing us to perform better. The problem with this environment is that it can create a mindset that says "as long as I'm doing slightly better than those around me, then it's okay." On the other hand, when in an environment where others excel around us and we feel we can't keep up or reach those same levels of performance/high standards, it can cause us to become discouraged and we may be tempted to give up.
What I believe God wants us to know is that He hasn't called us to focus on the performance of those around us, whether positive or negative - He's called us to focus on what He's requiring of us! His plan, His purpose, His Word - what He's instructed us to do - becomes our benchmark/standard. The opinions of others, what they have or haven't accomplished, where they are in life, etc. is not our benchmark/standard!
We live for Him and we're accountable to Him and what He's requiring of us. We need to take our focus off of others and where they may be in their lives, ministry, career, financially, etc. and do what we know God is asking/requiring of US!
What I believe God wants you to do my friend is not be tempted to compare yourself with others and where they're headed when God has called you to be obedient to Him now, for this moment, for this time.
God is guiding YOUR steps!
He has a purpose for YOUR life! (not to be a copy of someone else)
He wants you to focus your attention on YOUR walk with Him! (not that of a friend or family member)
To rely and depend upon His grace to see you fulfill all that He's called YOU to fulfill! - To fulfill the purpose He's called YOU to fulfill! (not to worry about what others may or may not be doing)
To Be the blessing He's called YOU to be!
To shine YOUR light!
So embrace what God is busy doing in YOUR life! ... Don't compare yourself but be who God has made YOU to be!
Amen