As one man after another stepped up to the mic to share how Randy had impacted their lives, I fell victim to the Comparison Game. My awe and admiration for this 75-year-old birthday boy shifted into an overwhelming sense of inadequacy in my spiritual journey.
To give you a sense of what I was dealing with, Randy is a Vietnam Vet who came back from the war without one leg. Many might have returned home bitter and angry—and maybe Randy did, too—but somewhere along the way, Jesus got hold of him and changed his life. Randy, in turn, hasn’t stopped talking about his Lord and Savior since.
He must mentor anywhere between ten and twenty men at any given time. I know the investment he puts in is tremendous because my husband is a recipient of Randy’s attention. They met at Chris’s first deployment as a Billy Graham chaplain six years ago, and they’ve been friends ever since. Weekly phone calls, book studies via Zoom, and prayer time come with the territory.
When the party ended, and we drove back to our hotel, I couldn’t help but feel a little dejected at where I lack in comparison. And for the next hour, I struggled with the thought that I must be a disappointment to God.
This is right where the enemy would like me to be.
There’s nothing wrong with admiring the impact of another’s spiritual journey. It can be inspirational. But when we compare ourselves to others, we can become envious, discouraged, jealous, and prideful (when we consider ourselves better).
2 Corinthians 10:12 tells us, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
I love the story of David in the Bible. A man after God’s own heart, though not perfect, David knew where his strength, courage, and abilities came from. Unlike King Saul, he didn’t fall for the Comparison Game—and we all know what happened to Saul. His pride opened the door for dark spirits to enter and destroy whatever witness he might have had.
I’m often reminded of 1 Samuel when Samuel searches out the one the Lord wishes to anoint as the next king in light of Saul’s failures. He goes through Jesse’s sons, one after another, thinking surely one of these strapping men would be chosen. Instead, God chooses David, a shepherd boy—a mere teenager—instead.
And let’s not forget that Jesus’ disciples were a group of young, ragtag, uneducated boys. Fishermen who most likely didn’t stand out in a crowd. They weren’t eloquent in speech, nor did they have a following. Until Jesus saw something in them, others did not.
“The LORD does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart”—1Samuel 16:7.
I’ve just finished the book of Isaiah, and it pains me to see how the Israelites became lost in their sins of idolatry, corruption, and abandonment of the Lord. We can easily scoff from behind the comfort of our Bibles, but as Randy has been known to say, “All of us are just one step away from stupid.”
It doesn’t have to be a big step, either. The enemy needs only a very small opening to get a foothold. A disgruntled thought, a bitter root, a bad day is all it takes.
As long as our focus is trained on someone else (and their successes), it’s not focused on God and how He can use us. He has gifted each of us, admittedly, some more than others. But the Lord, in all His infinite wisdom, has a plan and purpose for each of us.
Paul tells us in Romans 12:6-8, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith, if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach, if is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it so to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
And need I remind you of Paul’s exhortation that the church, like the parts of the body, requires each distinct part if it’s to work together for the glory of God? Even if you don’t need the reminder, I often do.
Rather than focusing on Randy’s call, I need to attend to my own. When I struggle, it’s the perfect opportunity to draw closer to the Lord. He will remind me that the path I’m walking will not look like yours, or Chris’s, or Randy’s.
We are each precious in God’s sight, and He wishes us to give our all to glorify Jesus. That’s why Randy is so impactful—he strives to fulfill what God calls him to.
What about you? If you aren’t sure about your purpose or how the Lord wishes to use you, ask. It could take days, or weeks, or (God forbid), even years for Him to set you on your path. And even if you’re on a path, as I am, there are always detours and stops along the way, which He has ordained. More searching, struggling, praying for direction.
And more of the Lord.
After all, His desire is for our hearts, not our works. I think even Randy would agree.
Comments 1
So, so encouraging!