#beJOYfulÖrnek

Be Joyful Being Who God Made You

My sister and I are about the same size. We can share any shoe, shirt, pair of pants, or dress in our closets except an “aso ebi” outfit. An “aso ebi” is a uniform outfit that is traditionally worn during Nigerian special occasions as an indicator that you are a family member or close friend of the celebrant(s). Every “aso ebi” outfit is tailor-made. My sister’s “aso ebi” outfits are tailored to her exact specifications to fit her curves, not mine. There have been times when I’ve tried to wear one of her “aso ebis” only to be disappointed when I looked in the mirror and saw that it didn’t look nearly as fabulous on me as it did on her. Similarly, each of us has a tailor-made purpose designed by God. He has intentionally knitted together our spiritual gifts, interests, ambitions, dreams, abilities, personalities, and experiences to equip us for a unique purpose. When we compare our purpose to someone else’s, we can become disappointed when we try to do what they do only to realize we weren’t made to do what they do!

Comparison can be a destructive and dangerous thing. One of two things can happen when we compare ourselves to other people: 1) we find someone who seems to be doing better and become envious or 2) we find someone who is doing worse and become prideful. Whether we feel a sense of inferiority or superiority, either feeling will rob us of joy.

Comparison also prevents us from embracing who God created us to be. It is a tool the devil uses to keep us from stepping into our God-given destinies. It lures us into wasting our time and energy trying to fulfill someone else’s purpose rather than our own. Comparison opens the door for lies to deflate our confidence, diminish our courage, and deplete our contentment. If we are not careful, comparison can compromise the individual calling and beautiful life God has given each of us.

Here’s a truth to treasure: To live a life full of joy, we must fight back against the comparison trap each and every day. We can fight back with the truth. The truth is we were created by an incredible, awe-inspiring Creator who designed us on purpose for His purpose. We are one-of-a-kind. We fight back by valuing our uniqueness. There is something special about you; discover it and own it.

We only have one life. Let us not waste it away because we allowed comparison to take us down a path that was not designed for us. Let us experience joy by being who God made us to be.

Prayer: Dear God, You are the Great Creator. I am grateful for the unique gifts and talents you have given me. Thank You that there is no one else just like me. Help me live as the one You uniquely intended me to be.

Reflect: What is unique about you? How can you use your uniqueness to spread contagious joy?