POST 10: Why Can’t You Be Like Them?
POST 10
Why Can’t You Be Like Them?
Teri was leading the Christian Club at her school.
In comparison, I (Kara) was embarrassed to tell my friends that I was attending the Christian Club at my school.
Another close youth group friend, Julie, was always happy to help with any task. From picking up trash after events to stuffing envelopes for a church mailer, she stepped up to volunteer.
I usually held back from volunteering, hoping someone else would sign up first.
When I compared myself to Teri, I felt like a wimpy Christian. Next to Julie, I felt selfish.
All throughout high school, I wondered, Why can’t I be more like them? What’s wrong with me that I can’t share my faith like Teri and share my time like Julie?
Like Me
Comparing ourselves to others is using the wrong yardstick. I’m not supposed to be just like Teri or Julie. I’m supposed to be like me. Like the me God has designed me to be.
Every human on the planet has gifts and talents given to them by God. Teri has the gift of sharing her faith (often called the gift of evangelism). Julie has the gift of service.
While I know God wants me to share my faith and time when I have the chance, I’ll rarely do so as well, or as much, as Teri and Julie.
I’ve come to realize many of my gifts are connected to the gift of leadership. Those gifts are neither better nor worse than Teri’s and Julie’s; they are just different.
Paul writes to the church in Rome about their gifts, but it’s not the only list Paul provides of possible gifts and skills. In 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, Paul adds more gifts—including the gifts of faith, healing, and wisdom. In Ephesians 4:11–13, Paul describes more roles—such as apostles, evangelists, and pastors.
You have gifts and passions that no one else does.
Your friends have talents that you don’t.
We will better understand our identity when we discover the unique gifts and passions that God has given us and wants us to use to impact others around us!
READING GOD’S WORD
We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other. We have different gifts that are consistent with God’s grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, you should prophesy in proportion to your faith. If your gift is service, devote yourself to serving. If your gift is teaching, devote yourself to teaching. If your gift is encouragement, devote yourself to encouraging. The one giving should do it with no strings attached. The leader should lead with passion. The one showing mercy should be cheerful. (Romans 12:4–8)
Journaling Questions
What are a few of your gifts or talents?
When are you most likely to compare your gifts with the gifts of others? How does that comparison usually make you feel about yourself and the other person?
During those times when you feel like your gifts aren’t as good as the gifts of others, what do you think God would want you to remember about yourself?
Pray This Prayer
God, I love how you’ve given each of us gifts and talents, but I confess that sometimes I envy what you’ve given others. Please help me to be grateful for the gifts and passions you’ve given me. Please show me how to use them to help others and bring you glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God doesn’t want—or expect—us to figure out who we are on our own. God gives us community to help. If you have no clue what your gifts and talents are, try asking a few friends, teachers, people at church, or family members. If you have a hunch, run it by a few friends or adults who know you well.
Try using those gifts at church, in your youth group, with your friends, and at home. Pay attention—and talk—to adults who might have similar gifts as you and learn from them. Experiment, get feedback from others, and see what feels right.
THE TAKEAWAY
Let others’ gifts and talents inspire you to figure out—and strengthen—your own!