You could read the Bible cover-to-cover every year and still find things you’ve never read before or the verses mean or speak to you in a different way than before.
In reading last night, I found this gem.
For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what’s the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need. You already have more access to God than you can handle.
1 Corinthians 4:6-8 (The Message)
Our gifts are gifts from God.
Everything we are is a result of how God made and formed us.
Not only can we take no credit for our accomplishments or the great people that we think we may be, but worse, we have absolutely no right to criticize who we are.
We are God’s creation.
When I make something with my own hands, put time and effort into it, and think it’s quite good, nothing hurts worse than someone saying it’s horrible.
Why would we dare do that to our Creator?
Whew. I’ve got to watch my mouth when talking about myself.
I think we all need to.
And, as far as comparing ourselves, which we do ALL THE TIME, it’s just plain dumb.
We can’t be anything else than what God’s created us to be, so why do we even try. It’s just ridiculous. And, impossible. Because we weren’t created to be like someone else. We were created to be only us.
Today, I praise God for the gifts He’s given me and the person He’s created me to be because I’m unique and one-of-a-kind.
And, so are you, my friend.
Good stuff!
Couldn't have said it any better!!! I love this message that He's given you so graciously. Keep on sharing it sister…. Lv, Josephine
A preacher once told me that self-criticism is the devil's way of making a hole for himself in your heart and repentance fills that hole with Jesus' perfect healing love.
Beautiful reminder, MB. You really do have much to be thankful for. And so do I. 🙂