Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
John 21:22
We learn by comparing the world around us, to what we know about ourself. A baby watches people stand up and walk away, so he learns to follow. First by realizing that he or she has been left behind. Then, by schooching across the floor, then crawling, standing, and then the celebrated first step. As little girls we dream and watch with expectation of our own wedding day comparing what we want to what we see.
We may even look at the hairstyles and the appearance of another woman and change our hair, its color, or its length to make sure we are current with the times and our age. This is to the delight of our hairdressers, no doubt!
As we age we try to adapt our clothing to fit and flatter our changing waistline.
“This dress needs a belt.”
“No, it accents my hips…remove the belt.”
“I’ll wear a tunic! No, now I look pregnant.”
“I’ll just put on my baggy pajamas and call it a day!”
As writers we will compare our writing to the writing of others, trying to find our style and improve it. I have gone from conscience stream of thoughts, because I love Ann Voskamp’s writing, to writing a document of endless ranting, trying to decide what feels most like me.
Right now, I’m reading Steven King’s book on Writing. Though his dark stories are big sellers, that is not my style. I do, however, love how he writes! He is easy to follow, with paragraphs that flow one right into another.
Peter compared himself to John. Not as a means of self-improvement, but as jealous competition. Jesus, cut to the core of this situation and just askes him, “If this is what I want to do for him, what’s it to you?”
To compare is human nature.
God wants us to be the best we can be. Christ is the standard, the ultimate comparison for us. He encourages us to look at life, people, and situations, and compare it to Christ.
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 1:18 NIV)
When our comparison of others, produces bitter jealousy, I think God looks at us as Christ looked at Peter and asks, “If I want this for her, what is it to you?”
What God wants to do for you – for me– is unique, unlike anyone who is around us.
Your writing, your story, and your style are created just for you, in God’s likeness, in your uniqueness. (Tweet This)
Oh, sister, can I get an Amen on that?
Now it is your turn. Leave a comment – as The Nesters says, “that’s the best part!”
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Amen!!!I have Stephen King’s writing book on my self – bought it the last semester I taught writing! I thought it would be a wonderful voice to help motivate students – and your point – oh, I love that. I stopped comparing myself when I started to understand how God created me, put things inside me (Psalm 139) – it took away a lot of pressure and distractions:) Love this!!!
“Adapt our clothing to fit and flatter our changing waistline.” Holy cow, girl — I pulled out an Easter outfit yesterday and wanted to cry! Grrr on getting old, but YAY for spring and warmer weather and your wedding photos!
Hugs to you, beautiful friend!