Killing ComparisonSample

Our focus verse is one that gets said constantly, but I believe we constantly miss the profundity of what is being said. Walk with me for a moment.

Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

This verse is often used to support the idea that life begins in the womb, but if you pay attention to it, it says something much deeper. It says, BEFORE, we were formed in the womb, God knew us. In other words, before the sperm even met the egg... before conception... God knew us. God set us apart before we were born. In other words, there was purpose on our identity before we were conceived. How incredible is that?!

But, despite this miraculous wonder of truth, many of us are born originals and spend our lives as duplicates because of toxic comparison. I'm no exception. I spent many years chasing duplication because of toxic comparison, so much so that I spent a hefty sum of money on a surgical procedure to get a booty. Yep, you read that right. As a black woman, my flat backside was often the source of ridicule and jokes growing up, so when I got old enough and financially stable enough to afford it, I decided to fix the problem surgically. But there was one big problem.

While on the flight to Los Angeles to get the procedure done, I heard the Lord say, "Nona, if I wanted you to have a booty, I would have given you one. I didn't give it to you to keep you humble." Since I know the voice of God, I should have parachuted out of the plane right then and there. Instead, I told God, "Lord, I'll be humble... with a booty." Fast forward six months after spending enough money to buy a car and... my new booty dissolved on me. After getting back to my rigorous fitness routine, I burned all of the fat that had been transferred to my butt.

Although I can laugh about it now, looking back on it, I can see how toxic comparison's power infected my heart. It made me believe that, if I achieved a certain physical appearance, I would finally be beautiful. But here's the thing; perfection isn't in the eye of the beholder; perfection is in the eye of the Creator. God had designed me perfectly for the purpose he had for me. Flat booty and all! And the same goes for you. Even your flaws and imperfections serve a purpose in God's hands. And this is why killing comparison requires learning to see our deficiencies as intentional gifts from God.

Before our next session, pray for God to help you see yourself the way he sees you. Perfect.