Why You May Not be Fulfilling Your God-Given Mission

I’ll be honest...growing up with three beautiful, talented sisters has had its challenges. I’m the second of four girls in my family. So as you can imagine, there is always plenty of drama. We’re all very close and really love each other. However, we all have fallen into the trap of comparison.

Comparison is a barrier to fulfilling our God-given calling and mission. I can personally attest to this as I reflect on my first year attending college. My sister was the valedictorian of her class--which is something that I have always wanted to achieve. Not only that, but she is humble, graceful, and approachable--two things that are hard to be when you are at the top of your class. I would be lying if I said that her success didn’t make me slightly envious, so I strove to also get a perfect score. All was well until I received an A-. It was just short of perfection. But it was enough to ruin the coveted 4.00. I was devastated, until I was reminded by my brother-in-law that maybe that 3.9 would allow me to prioritize other things that God has called me to.

The apostle Paul no doubt understood this feeling, and perhaps even the temptation to compare. We read in 2 Corinthians 10 that he did not have a bold presence or great speaking skill, as did other prominent teachers of the day. In this specific passage, Paul defends his ministry as the Corninthians made complaints that his writing was bold, but that he wasn't able to back it up with his meek presence. It would have been more than easy for Paul to sulk back and allow his insecurities to take over. However, he boldly defends himself by saying, “Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present” (1 Corinthians 10:11). He does not deny that his presence is underwhelming or boast in his abilities according to the flesh. But he does boast in the authority that the Lord has given him. “For even if I boast a little too much of my authority, which the Lord gave me for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed” (1 Corinthians 10:8 ESV). Paul was confident in what the Lord had called him to, and did not allow himself to compare to others.

Personally, when I compare and feel insecure, my natural response is to boast of my own abilities. And I don’t think that is unique to me. It can be so tempting to try to build ourselves up when we feel inadequate. Sometimes we even then compare ourselves to someone who we think is “lesser” in order for us to feel better about ourselves. The false apostles in Corinth did the very same thing. They boasted of things according to their own worldly accomplishments. Paul didn’t even want to be compared to them, as he belonged to a kingdom that was not of this world. “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding” (1 Corinthians 10:12 ESV).

The false teachers were boasting of their own abilities, as they were looking at those around them. Paul directly calls them out, saying that they are without understanding. He knows that the battle he is facing is not of this world, but of divine powers. He recognizes that these false teachers are concerned merely with the here-and-now. And Paul basically calls them stupid! Though they boast, it is meaningless. They have nothing substantial worth bragging about.

Paul, on the other hand, has the power of the Gospel on his side. He has all the reason to boast! However, Paul knows that there is a limit to his boastings. He writes, “But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only in regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV). Paul recognizes that God has called him to a specific task and he can be confident in it. However, he also recognizes that his boasting must not go beyond what God has called him to.

If Paul had been insecure about his giftings, he could have hindered the work that God had called himself to. Istead, he knew that God had empowered him to accomplish the task at hand. No, He had not given him a powerful speaking voice as He had to the apostle Peter, but He had a different course for Paul.

When I compare myself to my gifted sisters, I am neglecting to recognize the creativity of God. He has uniquely gifted us to accomplish different works for the kingdom. When we focus on our giftings rather than the Giver, we rob God of the glory that He ultimately deserves. Whether we turn to boasting, or minimizing our giftings, both responses don’t recognize the truth that we are God’s handiwork set apart to do his work to bring him the glory and honor. These responses instead reveal our obsession with ourselves and our own glory. We want to be recognized, validated, and praised. But we were created for so much more. When we take our eyes off ourselves and onto our King, only then will we find the satisfaction that our hearts ultimately desire.

When I choose to accept what God has called me to do, I can celebrate the successes and giftings of others. Because our gifts aren’t meant for ourselves. They are our offerings unto one another, and ultimately unto the Lord.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV).

The Blunt (Brace Yourselves)

Comparison is a barrier to fulfilling our God-given calling and bringing glory unto Him.