Good morning. I hope and pray that you had a great Celebration of the First Fruits weekend with the resurrection of our Lord Jesus (or Easter as some call it). Let’s see if we can get some words of encouragement on comparing apples to apples today. How do you compare to others?
2 Corinthians 10:12 niv
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
When we are looking at two apples, the same type of apples, really the only thing we are looking at is which one appears better than the other. Better in the way it looks, meaning we think it must be better on the inside. What does it mean to compare apples to apples:
- having a fair comparison between the two things
- comparing the things which can be compared with each other
- contrasting the similar things
- finding out the difference between the two similar things
- items that can be practically compared with each other
Maybe you struggle with this same thing. So maybe you are comparing the way you look (on the outside) compared to others. May I suggest a thought here? When it comes to you and me, we can’t compare ourselves to others. “Why,” you ask?
How do you compare to others?
No one compares to anyone else. And most of the time if you got to know them, you would find out they DON’T have it all together. We are all created as a unique and valuable creation of God. You may be comparing the outward appearances, but it’s not comparing apples to apples.
It’s natural to look at others and admire them for the way they look, for what they’ve accomplished, or what they have. We think things like:
- I wish I had it all together… like they do.
- If only I was more handsome or pretty… like them.
- I wish I had more so I could do more… like them.
- If I was more successful… I could have more influence like them.
Comparing Apples to Apples
The problem is, you haven’t realized or believe that you are exceptional. Yes, you have two ears, two eyes a nose and a mouth like them. But even in that there are differences. You, in some way, see them as exceptional – their looks, their accomplishments, or in other ways.
You are trying too hard in all the wrong ways! Trying harder to be like others only ends in emptiness because…
God created you to be exceptional in who you are, not in who they are.
You Are Trying Too Hard to Be Like Them
Oddly, I have an old Jr. High classmate’s name that comes to mind and I never ran with him but his words have always stuck. We bowled in a league together, but on different teams. As we were bowling against his team I was really struggling with my game that day.
Now Phillip Beck (my classmate) was a fairly good bowler. And he threw that 16 pound ball really hard. As he approached his release he would have his arm straight back and up above his head. He would then bring that ball down full force right through to his release. That ball would fly down the lane. It was going so hard and fast it didn’t even have time to grip the lane and spin or curve. When it made contact with the pins it made the loudest sound in the alley and those pins flew like dynamite had just gone off!
Back to my struggling game as my team faced Phillip and his team. I was trying to be like Phillip. And of all guys Phillip says to me, “Scott, you are trying to throw the ball too hard.” What? That’s the pot calling the kettle black. So what did I do? I slowed my roll. Literally! I ended up averaging 183 a game that bowling season and bowled a 618 series that season.
Know Who You Are in Christ
Quit trying so hard. Just be you. Know who you are in Christ and be that. The only thing you should be trying harder at is this – knowing the word of God and speaking that into existence in your own life. In doing so, you become more like Jesus, and a reflection of Him to others that you could not have been otherwise.
Only you can do this. So stop comparing apples to apples or anything else.
Psalm 139:13-14 amp
For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
Challenge of the Day: Realize who you are in Jesus. Find a verse today that speaks to you about who you are in Christ. Share it with me and others below in the comments section. Let that lift you up (bless you) in your every-day-walking-around-kind-of-life today in all that you do with your family, at work or personally. You are unique. So be it!
