Sunday, September 22, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

More than a Copy

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

I have always admired individuals with straight hair because my hair has always been so thick and curly. However, it always amazes me when these very individuals tell me that they would prefer to have my hair. Why do we compare ourselves to others .... desiring or "copying" what they have?

As you reflect on this question, I want to share a little about the woman referenced in today's scripture. (MEN...don't check out yet. There's something here for you too!) In Proverbs 31 this woman is described as an excellent homemaker, a skilled seamstress, a hardworking business woman, a devoted wife and mother, an admired member of the community, a woman filled with wisdom and grace..... AND, most importantly, a faithful woman.

Just reading about this woman can be exhausting. How did she find the time to do all of these things in such a way to bring honor to herself and still have time for God? This question has caused many women to either aspire to be just like her OR to feel very defeated in their efforts...almost resentful of this virtuous woman.

Interestingly, men are not immune to comparing themselves to other men. They strive to become just as skilled, successful, rich, strong .... as those who have achieved greatness.

Although we all have a tendency to want to be like others, that was not God's intention for us. He tells us in Ephesians 2:10 that "we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

He created each and every one of us to complete the good works that He specifically set aside for us to do. Therefore, we should not spend our time trying to "copy" another or wasting precious moments envying those who possess something that we deem to be desirable or who are doing things that seem attractive to us. Instead, we need to walk in the way that He established for us.....just for us!

My challenge for you today is to embrace your uniqueness. Grab hold of Psalm 139:14 when you are tempted to compare yourself to others - " I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Realize that you ARE wonderful in Him and that you have been created on purpose and for a purpose.

Dear Lord, My desire is to be recognized as someone who does Your will. Help me to live a life that is a true reflection of the ORIGINAL You created me to be.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.