More Like Jesus

Scripture:  I Corinthians 4:7 says “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”

When God created you and me, He threw away the mold! We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God has foreordained that we should walk in them (Eph.2:10). We neglect to see our flaws as God’s “marks of ownership.” Having been tailor-made by the hand of a loving God, we therefore, should never compare or compete with one another regarding who we are. He is perfecting us moment by moment and day by day. The Bible says that promotion comes from the Lord, and what you and I become is our choice of intimacy with Him. I am being conformed to the image of Christ when I choose to be as close to Him as I want to be!

God has made each of us to function differently in the body of Christ for His glory. We are placed where we are to be interdependent – “I need you and you need me” which breeds unity, but “I’m fine all by myself” breeds disunity.  Paul refused to compare himself or engage in self-promotion. The thought of self-glory was repugnant to Paul as found in Philippians 3:4-8. His lofty credentials could have made him boast in the fact that he was greater than his opponents, but he didn’t. His only concern was what the Lord thought of him.

Therefore, Paul had the freedom to serve the Lord wholeheartedly without being consumed with what people thought of him. God’s Word and time provides us with the opportunity to mature in having a healthy self-esteem and a Biblical perspective of life. So I ask you, “Who are you comparing or competing with?” “Do you exist in frustration or are you living life abundantly?”

Prayer:  Thank You Lord for my uniqueness in the body of Christ. As You perfect that which concerns me, may I keep my eyes on You and the work You’ve begun that You will complete until the day of Jesus Christ.

(by Cheryl Torain)