LABS VS. GOLDENS

1 Corinthians 12:8-14
8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines. 12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not
made up of one part but of many.

I love to work with dogs, and I have a habit of comparing the various breeds. Labradors and golden retrievers used to appeal equally to me. But over time, I discovered that Labs are energetic and can't seem to settle down. They're less controllable and more troublesome. The Goldens, on the other hand, are calm, peaceful, and well-behaved. That's why I like the Goldens better than the Labs!

I have another habit--comparing myself to other people. Maybe you do this too. I'm not as pretty or as smart as she is. I'm not as successful or important as he is. Does my life count for anything? Am I as spiritual as she is? Why can't I be as joyful about God?

In 1 Corinthians 12:7-31, we are told that as followers of Jesus each of us is important, and we are all part of one body. Just as each part of our physical body serves a purpose (no matter how small it is or how trivial it may seem), each of us has a purpose. God made each person unique. If we were all the same, how could we help each other grow?

Each of my furry friends is different. Bleu is a well-behaved Lab who doesn't run all over the place causing havoc. And Norman, a Golden, barks all the time and drives me crazy. Not all Labs are bad, and not all Goldens are angels. They can't be molded into the same dog. Similarly, we don't all have the same gifts or talents. Someone else may be prettier, but she might not have a gift for working with animals. We need to accept our differences and count them as blessings (v.4).

Be confident about who you are! Don't try to be someone you're not. God has made you just the way you are! --Susan Lapchon (Pennsylvania)

Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader.

DESTINATION POINTS

* Am I comparing myself with someone? Why do I think that person is better than I am?
* Why do I feel the need to compare myself with others?
* Does God compare me with others, or does He love me the way I am?

LINKS:
Ugly Me
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/9c1/9c1034.html

bottom line: Comparing ourselves with others leads to defeat.

soul journey