POST 43: No Purpose Is Better Than Another
POST 43
No Purpose Is Better Than Another
I think of myself like a pencil. I can try to be a utensil to eat with—like a fork or a chopstick—but that’s not my purpose. Either I’m writing and being used for God’s purposes or I’m not.
Kevin
The quote at the start of this post from seventeen-year-old Kevin is profound in more ways than one.
First, he seems to have a solid understanding of what his particular purpose is. In his metaphor, he’s a pencil. Pencils are useful and necessary. Pencils do great work. They write and draw and do all kinds of neat stuff.
But what if a pencil saw a fork and thought, “Huh, that fork gets used all the time. Look at how shiny it is. Everyone loves that fork. And the job that fork is doing looks really fun. I want to be a fork!” Imagine that pencil attempting to pick up rice or twist noodles around itself. That doesn’t work—because it’s a pencil, not a fork.
It may sound silly, but that’s how we sound when we compare ourselves to others.
That’s the second way Kevin’s quote is profound. He sees that comparison is a waste of time because no purpose is greater than another. A pencil and chopsticks are both great. They each serve a needed purpose. One can’t say that a pencil is better than a chopstick or a chopstick is better than a pencil. When you’re sitting down to eat dinner, you’re going to want chopsticks, a fork, or a spoon. When you’re sitting down to write a letter, you’re going to want a pencil, a pen, or something else to write with. Not even the shiniest fork will help you then!
Stop Comparison
Do you ever get caught up in comparison? We all do. Sometimes we catch a glimpse of someone else’s life, and it looks so shiny and fun. Social media feeds our insecurities as we get a front-row seat to everyone’s highlight reel, not knowing that we may not get to see all the realities behind the scenes.
The fact of the matter is we all have different strengths. We have different gifts and passions. We are living in different seasons of life. These are all factors in our purpose and how we live out God’s unique plan for us.
Instead of looking to the left and to the right, it’s best to keep your eyes on your paper and focus on what God has called you to do.
Although we have different gifts, it’s the same God who distributed them all. The Lord chose everyone’s gifts on purpose and for a purpose. We can trust that God’s intention is good and that we are not lacking in anything.
Think of your gift as your superpower. No one else has it but you, and it can serve a great purpose that changes the world. Iron Man had great intellect and tech capabilities. Captain America was strong and fast and honorable. The Hulk could transform into a giant beast. Thor was a legendary prince with a mystical hammer. Black Widow was a highly trained spy. Hawkeye was a master archer. They each possessed a superpower that was unique and indispensable—and when they joined forces as the Avengers, they saved the world—more than once!
When you and your superpower come together with others and their superpowers—that makes for an incredible team.
There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; and there are different ministries and the same Lord; and there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4–6)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)
REFLECT AND RESPOND
Journaling Questions
What’s your superpower? What are you good at? What do you love to do?
What makes your gift special?
How can recognizing the uniqueness of your own gift help you stop comparing yourself to others?
God, thank you for the amazing gift you have given me. When I start comparing myself to others, remind me that you gifted me in a specific way for a specific purpose. I don’t have to wish I had someone else’s gift or purpose. I have my own, and that’s pretty special. In Jesus’ name, amen.
SOMETHING TO TRY
Sometimes it’s helpful when we get an outside perspective. If you’re having a hard time understanding what your gift is, get together with someone you trust and ask them what gift they see in you. You can then do the same for them!
THE TAKEAWAY
No purpose is greater than another. Your purpose is unique to your gift and passions—your own superpower!