You are very special, you are so loved, and nothing will ever compare. Do not allow your past to influence your present. Your future depends on the choices you make today. Our story today can change lives and bring value to tomorrow. Let us celebrate our differences that make us unique, for we are wonderfully and specially made.
My Past
As a young boy, I never heard the words, “You are special…You have a great gift…You have a bright future,” and I fell into the trap of comparing myself to others. I was never told or encouraged about my own self worth; therefore, I thought very lowly of myself. I was always trying to be like someone else. I never knew what I wanted to be, because I wanted to be like all the others who were successful. One day, a very special person said to me, “Quit trying to be someone that you are not. You are trying too hard!” And so my words to you are, “Quit comparing yourself to others. You are special and have a great talent!” You are made special by love, according to Psalm 139:14. God never compares you to anyone else because you are wonderfully and beautifully made- an original and one of a kind!
The bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:12 that comparing yourself to others is not smart. It is fruitless, worthless, and only an opinion. You will always end up judging who is superior and who is inferior. It is not wise or profitable to try and live up to the standards of others. When we find ourselves having an inferior complex, an inadequacy, being insufficient, or trying to become someone we are not, we tend to find ourselves purposeless, confused, and wandering.
I did not realize that I was trapping myself by the snare of my words. Each moment that I was comparing myself to others and seeing all the things they had, I felt like I had nothing, no dignity, and no contentment. I was murmuring and complaining about everything. I continued comparing myself to others and chase after the shadows of lies and darkness overwhelmed me. The more I tried to act and follow these other people, the more I took the bait. I fell into the depression trap! I felt so unworthy. I was very unhappy with myself. This past struggle kept me in prison for many years and my future was not being fulfilled.
Comparing and wanting something that someone else has is a common struggle and bondage that many people face today.
My Present
I now realize that God was with me everywhere I went, even as a child. He brought His sweet peace around me and showed me wonders of His world. He allowed me to see and hear special gifts of life upon this earth. It was special to spend valuable time in the presence of God in a boat on a quiet pond. Here God was calling me and placing purpose deep inside me.
You too had loving evidence of God being with you even when you did not realize how special you were. He did many things to show His love to you. Living in this world enables us to forget so easily.
When I finally realized and accepted myself for whom I was, I knew it was okay to be different. This gave me peace to follow His plan. When I found my place with God, I found out who I really was. When I heard the real truth, and believed that God would help change my life, it all took place very quickly.
Several others share stories similar to mine, but sadly just cannot break free. In Christ Jesus, we find the power to break free from the chains of comparison. When you place yourself at the mercy and love of Jesus, all things become possible. The bible tells us to trust Him with all of our heart and lean not to our own understanding. When you acknowledge Him, He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5.6).
Even when I was called into ministry, the devil would tell me that no one wanted to hear me preach or teach. But I knew, deep in my heart, that God had a very special assignment for me and I needed not to dwell on negative thoughts from negative people.
My present life of serving Jesus does not come from my past discouragements or failures. My life is serving Him, seeking Him, and loving a wonderful God. I forever will praise Him and worship Him for restoring my life and using me for what I was intended. Today, I seek Him because I am drawn to His goodness and unfailing love. I have hope and my life is driven by purpose.
Evangelist Bruce Barton is the Founder and CEO of Whole World Ministries.