Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Remember Who Your Creator Is!

Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

After reading this, I've been thinking about several things. It is easy, especially as women, to compare ourselves to others. When we do this, one of two things usually happens.

1. We compare ourselves to someone who is better at something than we are or prettier, or thinner, or better dressed, etc. This just results in us feeling inadequate and sorry for ourselves or even in jealousy. If you think about it, this is really quite pathetic--Poor me, I just don't add up! The antidote for this is to realize that God made each of us. He has a special plan for each of us. He doesn't make mistakes!!! If everyone had the same talents and abilities, what a boring world this would be! Instead of wishing we were more __________. We should spend time asking God to show us the areas of our lives that we can be further developing and using the talents God gave us for Him! I love what one pastor said--if you don't think you have a talent, everyone can be a prayer warrior! We also should be happy for those who have real talent in an area and enjoy their talent, instead of wishing we were more like them. Also, our reasons for wishing we were more talented are generally selfish and not very godly!
2. We compare ourselves to someone who is worse than us so we can fell superior and better than them. Shame on us for being so prideful! The antidote for this is to realize that pride is a sin. If we are comparing ourselves to another because we think we are more talented, we should spend some time asking God for forgiveness and being thankful for the talents He has given us and finding ways to use them! If we are comparing ourselves to another because we think they are a bigger sinner than us (obviously not!) then we need to worry about the beam in our eye, rather than the mote in someone else's. We need to focus on making sure our life is right with God.

Another thought I had after reading this passage is that there are times when their are difficult people in our lives. Our kids may also try our patience, or even our spouse--not mine, of course :o)--in case he reads this! We need to remember that God is their Creator also! They are just as marvellously made as us. He made every person and doesn't make mistakes. I know that we each have a free will to do as we choose. We can still look for the good in others and there is some! Often times, changing our view and looking at someone as God's special creation can really change our opinion of someone. Also, everyone comes from different backgrounds and many people have never been taught how to be kind or had good examples in their lives. The best thing to do for the difficult people in our life is to pray for them and that God will change our heart about that person and show us the good in them!