Dear Ones,
Hope you are enjoying this holiday weekend. We hope to see the sun and have some warm rays as we go to the lake this morning. A family picnic is planned for this evening and tomorrow we plan to go to the Lighthouse and see old friends that we haven’t seen for some time.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
There is one game that is not good to play and that is the comparison game. It often shows up in wanting what others have, envy towards those that seem to be one notch above us, and dissatisfaction with who God made us to be.  Those who feel overlooked, unnoticed and have low self-esteem are especially vulnerable. They often envy those who seem to be winners in the status game, causing a feeling of emptiness.
We are to be in communion with one another and valued, but not in competition to prove we are worthy and approved. Each one of us is uniquely made in God’s image and remarkable, but not better than others. We all matter and are equal, special and loved by the very One who created us. It is not wise to compare ourselves with anyone else for we are not to be grounded by the opinion of others, but our sense of self is to rest in the Lord. In Him we are free to be who He created us to be and have value.
So much emphasis today is on our appearance, our titles and accomplishments, but approval can fluctuate greatly and cause us to live on edge, wondering when it may change. Just think of our bodies and how as we naturally age, wrinkles begin appearing and maybe pounds increase on the scale. If our worth is in our appearance, we are in trouble. We are formed by what has our attention, so let it be on the Lord and not on things that will change and pass away. If we seek our worth in others or in accumulating wealth and fame, it is idolatry. The Lord wants to be in first place in our lives; our acceptance and approval come from Him. We don’t have to be constantly wondering if we measure up for in the Lord; we are enough and can then rest and turn our attention outward to others.
Let us be in communion with one another and not competition!
Challenge for today: Thank the Lord that you are His beloved and seen. Do not be unwise by comparing yourself with others. (II Cor. 10:12)
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy