Would the woman who has it all together….(and still remembers how to use it) please stand up.
How many of us think that everyone else has it going on? In theory we know that no one does, but that does not stop our insecurities from believing that no one else struggles like we do.
She is so spiritual… She prays so much, I’ll never be like her… She doesn’t yell at her kids… She doesn’t hate her hair sometimes and think she’s ugly… Her husband is always so nice to her… She is always so sweet to him… She teaches and leads, she’s such a Godly woman… I’ll bet she never blows her top like I do… She’s Super Wife & Mom!
WRONG!
None of us “has it all together.” We are all workin’ the thing out.
This week I want to encourage you not to compare yourself to other wives and moms. It is dangerous for 2 reasons.
2 Cor 10:12 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. NIV
1. It can make us feel “less than” those around us. It can bring up insecurities that we need not battle. The verse is clear, don’t compare yourself with others. You have to be who God called you to be and not who someone else is.
2. It can make us feel really good about ourselves because we think that we are doing a better job than they are. Can you say-pride? Dangerous ground when we start elevating ourselves.
Both of these things, God calls un-wise.
How do any of us know what goes on behind closed doors?
I don’t know the tears that a mom may shed about a child she is struggling with when I see them out in public and the child is acting up.
If her house is cleaner than mine, maybe she has spent less time blogging :P…or maybe she has a struggle with perfection and she has no peace until everything is perfect (and even then doesn’t have peace). Whatever the reason, it is no concern of ours.
If you want to know where you stand, start by searching your heart. What are your priorities and WHY?
Check out this verse, it’s not just for men.
Psalms 112:1-9 Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. 2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. 5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. 6 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. 7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. 9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor NIV
There is something for us to “compare” to. It is far more important for us to fear the Lord and find great delight in His commands than to meet up to the standards of this world.
God loves you and has a purpose for your life, don’t try to fulfill someone elses purpose. Don’t compare, instead walk in wisdom and love. Ask the Lord what He wants of you and look to His Word for direction.
PS: Don’t forget to enter this month’s contest from October 1st!
I’m praying for our marriages,
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