Daily Delight
A former professor of mine shared a thought online that has been stuck in my head the last few days: “When you discover someone’s passions and potential, be an encouraging voice, not a source of doubt.”
What would it look like if we championed other people’s strengths and talents? If we cheered on the sidelines for our friends’ victories?
Because we need you, exactly as you are, with all of your specific passions and potential, for the kingdom of God.
We weren’t made to be anyone but yourself, so why do we try so hard to be everyone else?
We live in a culture that forces comparison and one-upping on us. We have to be the best at all the things, and when we aren’t, the world deems us failed. We long for success in the eyes of the world, and when someone else gets that success we crave, envy as green as the grass and a burning anger can creep into our hearts in ugly ways.
Even though we have our own set of talents and skills and passions, we see what others have and want that instead while the other person probably wants your skills and passions. It’s how our world works: we pit ourselves against each other when we really should be working together so our passions and talents collide.
God gave us all talents and passions and gifts to use, but they are not supposed to be the same. He made us uniquely in His image, with your own set of needed skills, and your own passions to set your heart on fire for the kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 12, we are reminded that we are all parts of the body of the Christ, working differently, but together, for the glory of God. Without the arm, the eye, or the ear, we won’t work quite right...but when everything works together, we can do wonderful things.
Instead of playing the comparison game, or getting jealous when someone is successful at something you want, we can cheer them on, knowing that they are a part of the puzzle —
and so are you. God needs all of us, with all of our talents, quirks, interests, and passions, to further the kingdom.
We can’t be who God has made us to be if we’re wishing to be someone else. Instead, let's choose to celebrate each other and be who we are, together, for God and His glory.
About the Author
Jordan Taylor
Jordan Taylor is a 22-year-old student living in the suburbs of Nashville, her lifelong hometown. She is currently studying to be an English teacher, and hopes to have a classroom full of crazy, loud middle schoolers in her near future! Jordan enjoys reading, long walks (anywhere, not just the beach!), crafting, listening to music, playing with her pug, Lola, and writing. She is learning how to be brave, loves adventure, and try new things (a lifetime work in progress!). Jordan loves Jesus with all that she is, and is learning to let Him love her too. She enjoys rambling and writing about her faith at her blog, http://taylorjm.blogspot.com/, and is excited to share her journey with you all on DOD!