DOES IT MATTER WHO GETS THERE FIRST
Last Sunday, I wrote a post about seeds. I shared how I had planted six seeds in a planter, and how each seed had the same environment and opportunity to grow. However, even with the same love and care, only one seed sprouted. Today, we are continuing that post, but with a different twist.
The other morning when I came into the kitchen to pour myself a cup of coffee, I looked over at the little plant that was growing in the planter. I thought that I saw something green poking through the soil, so I went over to get a better look. Once I was closer, I could see that a new tiny bit of green was trying to break through the surface. I was so excited to see this new development. But, it got me thinking…
The first thing that I thought when I saw the second seed sprouting was that everyone is not going to bloom at the same time. The seeds were like us humans, and each one was going to develop in its own time. The difference is, seeds don’t compare themselves to each other. The seeds don’t notice that one is growing faster, bigger, and stronger; they are just growing at their own pace. We humans are prone to compare our struggles and results with those around us. We want to get there first, we want to be the best, and we want to outshine everyone else.
John 20:1-10
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.
Even the apostles compared themselves. I laughed out loud when I read John 20 the other day. I am assuming that John and Peter had a rivalry between them, and John made it clear in these verses that “HE” was the fastest runner. Look at how many times he mentions that he beat Peter in a footrace. Comparison is not a trait that was recently invented because of social media. Social media makes it easier to compare ourselves since we get a peek inside other’s highlight reels. We no longer have to go to someone’s house to see the gorgeous furniture and decorations, and we don’t have to look inside their garage to see that they drive an expensive car. All we have to do is log into our computers and start scrolling, and the comparison inevitably starts.
Feeling superior or feeling inferior to others is troublesome. Feelings of superiority can lead to pride and boasting. And, feeling inferior can lead to having hard feelings against someone who hasn’t done anything wrong. We are ALL inferior, and we are ALL flawed; Jesus is the only superior one.
Galatians 3:28
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
The Bible makes it plain that we are all the same in the eyes of the Lord. He doesn’t pay attention to our belongings, our gender, our race, or any other aspect of our lives. The Lord is only concerned with our hearts.
So, if you ever feel like someone else is achieving more than you, just remember the little seed. Grow at your own pace, and your bloom will be just as pretty even if it is a day or two behind someone else’s.
To God Goes The Glory
Have A Blessed Day!
WOW!! Thank you so much for yet another great Sunday inspirational! I recently joined your email list because I really enjoy reading your daily fashion posts. But your Sunday posts are WONDERFUL! This one in particular seemed to be speaking directly to me. Just before reading this post, I had a text message exchange that left me feeling pretty frustrated. Your post quickly put things back into perspective for me!! Thank you for sharing what’s on your heart!
Tania,
That was beautiful. Wonderful words of wisdom, Biblically inspired.
Thank you
This was an amazing blog! I even think that God doesn’t see our flaws or mistakes. He only sees love. He sees our goodness. He is love, he wouldn’t be capable of anything less.
Thank you for putting your blog posts in “reader view” for Apple device. This makes your blog so much more enjoyable to read. Sometimes your posts do not have reader view. Those posts are difficult to read, because of all the adds—especially the ones that move around and flash at you. Most of the time I give up and stop reading if there is no reader view, because the adds are too distracting. God bless you, and thank you especially for your Sunday posts.
You always do a wonderful Sunday post! Thanks so much.
Hi Tania. What a great message! You won’t believe it but the message preached today at City Rev church in South Florida was also on comparison. Simon Peter was also used and John 21- the next chapter! It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit speaks the same message at the same time to get his message out that we/I need to hear! Glory to God!
This is one of the best posts that I have ever read of yours. It really spoke to my heart. Thank you so very much for sharing!
Oh my dear, Tania, you are my new online sister in Christ! God moved me to you in Pinterest attracted to your title “50 is not Old” and fashionable outfits and your awesome hairdo. You made me feel good about myself being in the 50’s. Then 2 weeks ago I ended up signing up for your email of your postings. I am falling in love with your devotions and all! Thank you Jesus!!! God bless you!!
Yay to your mini sermon! I have to remind myself often God loves ALL of us!
This was a wonderful reminder that God created us and loves us exactly as we are. Easy to lose track of that! It was comforting that you showed us that even the disciples did it! Thank you for your posts, I enjoy them so much! God Bless you.
I found the story of John and Peter hilarious. They may have walked with Christ, but they were still human.
Peter was just a tad bit impulsive.
Tania, Thank you for your sweet devotions every Sunday. They are such a blessing. Enjoy this beautiful fall day.
Thanks, so much!
I love your devotions!
Thank you for this❤️I’m guilty of doing the comparison thing and always coming up feeling inferior. We are all loved by our Father. God bless you.
I’m guilty too, Kathy! I see other blogger’s photos, posts, etc., and I feel less than.
I love your outfits and have already been inspired by your animal print trouser outfit.
TANIA, I love your blogs:
how you show all items, give pertinent info, then provide us a quick link. And you focus on many pieces of varied styles. It’s not a quick and lets-get-off-here kind of thing…you give us so much more. You’re my FAVORITE of all fashion bloggers I’ve followed!!! Thank you!!