Keep looking up!

2 Corinthians 9:12,17-18

     Oh, don’t worry; I wouldn’t dare say that I am as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, and measuring themselves by themselves. What foolishness!

     As the Scriptures say, “The person who wishes to boast should boast only of what the Lord has done.”

     When people boast about themselves, it doesn’t count for much. But when the Lord commends someone, that’s different!

     When was the last time you heard someone boasting about themselves and their accomplishments? When you walked away, what was your view of that person? If you’re like me and most other people, we don’t think too highly of people that like themselves too much.

     Then why do we continue to boast about ourselves when we don’t like when others do the same thing? It’s obviously all part of our sinful, fallen nature and in a nutshell, it’s call pride! The Bible and these few verses are very clear that we are NOT to go around boasting about ourselves, but rather give glory to God for everything. We can do nothing without the Lord. The fact that we even woke up this morning and are able to read this devotion is only because God continues to give us breath and a heartbeat. Thank Him for that!

     Comparison is a dangerous trap that we get ourselves into. Women are especially vulnerable to this action. We think if we can look like, talk like, and act like someone that we admire or look up, then we will have finally attained or measured up to society’s standard and then we will be accepted, loved and admired. In the end, that way of thinking and acting only leaves us empty, lonely and unfulfilled. It is only when we live up to God’s standard that we will understand who we truly are and experience true fulfillment and acceptance.

     He has a plan and a purpose set forth for you and I. Take the time to figure out what that plan and purpose is and walk in it. Quit looking to the left and right, comparing yourself to others that don’t have a clue to the true meaning of life. Keep looking up! Put your focus on the one that has all the right answers. He WILL lead you and guide you, if you will let Him. Then at the end of the day, you will be able to boast about what God has done because you understand and realize that you can do nothing on your own.

     Are you stuck in a rut today? Searching for more meaning and direction? Tired of putting forth so much effort but feeling like you’re spinning your wheels? Ask God to give you a new focus; one where you must rely on Him for everything. Ask Him to give you a new measure of faith in order to step out into this new focus. Thank Him for another new day. Boast to someone else today about something that the Lord has done in your life.

            Have a great day!