Overcoming Shame in Comparison of Our Goals - Denise Pass
Scripture of the Day:
Hebrews 12:1-3
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Shame Rx:
There is enough space for everyone to run this race well.
Ever meet those people who start the year out strong with their resolutions and knock out every single one of them? Me, neither. But we sure can think they exist. There are some who are more successful than others, but then, this is not a competition. We are all running the race together. Still, we compare to others as if we need to measure up to what they are called to and strive to meet our resolutions as if it will prove our worth.
Oh, you don’t do that? Sorry, wrong crowd. For the rest of us, here’s a few thoughts that help us as we seek to honor God in this life in 2018.
Kingdom Mentality.
Root for others. Cheer them on as they seek to accomplish great things for God. Other people’s success could never diminish ours. There is enough space for everyone to run this race well.
Imitation.
Instead of comparing to denigrate others to inflate our goals, imitate excellence when we see it and build up others who might need help. And when someone drops the nagging 30+ pounds that we have been aching to do for years, be happy for them and seek to imitate their excellence. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Don’t be jealous of them. Seek to discover how they were so disciplined to accomplish their goal and maybe ask them or someone else to be an accountability partner.
Accountability.
No man is an island. Having others in our lives helps assure victory. The Bible says so. Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Some of us might need more help than others. There is no shame in that. Our weakness might be someone else’s strength and vice versa.
Motivation
Shaming ourselves by comparing to others is hardly motivating. Any comparison at all should only be for inspiration that if God can do something amazing in someone else’s life, He can do it in mine, too. It just might look a little different. Hallelujah for that!
Celebrations
Celebrate the small victories along the way. We might have fudged a little bit (intentional use of the word fudge there), but then we might have also had a victory that moved us along in our goal.
Appearances
Confession to make here. I am still forming some of my goals this year. I was dragged through the end of 2017 and still feel that way. Behind. The. Eight. Ball. Perpetually. But it does not have to look pretty or perfect for us to be successful. Just stay in the fight.
Lord, help us to encourage others while we run this race together. May we not compare, but delight to spur one another on. Help us to not grow weary, but to stay in the fight, all for Your glory!
