I did a post several weeks ago about how bad we are about comparing ourselves and how it affects us in our relationships. Either by making us think more of ourselves or less of ourselves...and both cases are wrong. Because what others have gone through doesn't change what we've gone through and vice verse.
Today I heard a song that wonderfully captures another side to this issue. Another reason we shouldn't be comparing. This is something I had not considered, but the author of the song gets it so well. The link is below, then the words so you can have those and then I'll have some thoughts after that. Enjoy.
Worship Song written and sung by Caleb Crino
Verse: I can't write a song quite like Joe Houston (member of Hillsong United) does. The deepest words and simple verse, echoing Your love.
I can't sing your praise quite like Chris Tomlin can. A single voice that you anoint, to lead with lifted hands.
Chorus: Let my life be the worship song I sing. Let my heart be the rhythm of the redeemed.
I'll walk with you, in perfect harmony. Let my life be the worship song I sing.
Verse: Well I can't preach the Word quite like Billy Graham. But I can love my neighbor with everything I have.
And I can't change the world the way that Jesus did. But I can live my life glorifying Him.
Chorus
Bridge: I live to worship you. In everything I do. There's nothing her to prove - when living in Your grace beyond the song. So, when the music fades, my love for You remains. I give you all the praise, in every single way.
Chorus X2
So, what is another way we hurt ourselves when we compare ourselves to others? We can convince ourselves we aren't as good as someone else and then not use our God-given talents to their fullest. We can also limit our worship of God. The author of the song is giving us a great way to NOT fall into that trap. He clearly sees the differences, but he moves on and doesn't dwell on them or let them make him feel smaller.
Do preachers compare themselves to other preachers? Within their denomination or immediate area? Do we as church members compare ourselves to other churches? Do we compare our public prayers to other people's public prayers? Do we get slef-conscious if someone sitting near us knows how to harmonize in their worship and all we can do is sing the melody?
Notice the focus. It is self and others focused. We are not focusing on God when we are worried or dwelling on comparisons.
I really love the bridge of the song. "...there is nothing here to prove when living in Your grace..." Oh man. How beautiful is this? See, if we combine this with the reality of 2 Cor 12:9 where God's response to Paul is that His strength is sufficient for Paul. So, we don't need to worry about anyone else's gifts or abilities. God has uniquely (in content, quality, and quantity) gifted each one of us and sometimes our weaknesses can be used to glorify God so much more than our strengths can. Either way, it is how God best decides that He can be glorified.
If you didn't follow the link earlier, go check our Worship Song. He doesn't have a lot of songs yet, but go like the video and subscribe to his channel to encourage him to produce more content. This is his original song so all credit to him.
To God be the glory!!
Today I heard a song that wonderfully captures another side to this issue. Another reason we shouldn't be comparing. This is something I had not considered, but the author of the song gets it so well. The link is below, then the words so you can have those and then I'll have some thoughts after that. Enjoy.
Worship Song written and sung by Caleb Crino
Verse: I can't write a song quite like Joe Houston (member of Hillsong United) does. The deepest words and simple verse, echoing Your love.
I can't sing your praise quite like Chris Tomlin can. A single voice that you anoint, to lead with lifted hands.
Chorus: Let my life be the worship song I sing. Let my heart be the rhythm of the redeemed.
I'll walk with you, in perfect harmony. Let my life be the worship song I sing.
Verse: Well I can't preach the Word quite like Billy Graham. But I can love my neighbor with everything I have.
And I can't change the world the way that Jesus did. But I can live my life glorifying Him.
Chorus
Bridge: I live to worship you. In everything I do. There's nothing her to prove - when living in Your grace beyond the song. So, when the music fades, my love for You remains. I give you all the praise, in every single way.
Chorus X2
So, what is another way we hurt ourselves when we compare ourselves to others? We can convince ourselves we aren't as good as someone else and then not use our God-given talents to their fullest. We can also limit our worship of God. The author of the song is giving us a great way to NOT fall into that trap. He clearly sees the differences, but he moves on and doesn't dwell on them or let them make him feel smaller.
Do preachers compare themselves to other preachers? Within their denomination or immediate area? Do we as church members compare ourselves to other churches? Do we compare our public prayers to other people's public prayers? Do we get slef-conscious if someone sitting near us knows how to harmonize in their worship and all we can do is sing the melody?
Notice the focus. It is self and others focused. We are not focusing on God when we are worried or dwelling on comparisons.
I really love the bridge of the song. "...there is nothing here to prove when living in Your grace..." Oh man. How beautiful is this? See, if we combine this with the reality of 2 Cor 12:9 where God's response to Paul is that His strength is sufficient for Paul. So, we don't need to worry about anyone else's gifts or abilities. God has uniquely (in content, quality, and quantity) gifted each one of us and sometimes our weaknesses can be used to glorify God so much more than our strengths can. Either way, it is how God best decides that He can be glorified.
If you didn't follow the link earlier, go check our Worship Song. He doesn't have a lot of songs yet, but go like the video and subscribe to his channel to encourage him to produce more content. This is his original song so all credit to him.
To God be the glory!!
