One of our greatest mistakes is comparing ourselves to others

Dearest Ones,

Wouldn't the world be a boring place if everyone was the same? And yet, some people spend their entire lives trying to be like someone else. They spend time hating God for the way He made them, instead of using this energy to get out and help others who are less fortunate. Why spend time comparing and competing? The hardest thing in the world is to try to be someone else. Maybe that's why Jesus said, "Unless you become as little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven." Children are perfectly content to be just themselves - until they get older and learn to compare. Comparing ourselves to others is a dangerous thing. If only everyone could say, "Here I am, Lord, you made me and I feel great! Thank you for making me this way." God doesn't compare - how could He - every person is made in His image, so we're all equal in His eyes. If we only knew how much God loves us, we would die of joy! He has carved us on the palm of His hand - His fingerprints are all over us. He knew all about us before we were even born! I think the key to liking oneself is realizing how much God loves us. If you always thought you never quite measured up to your parents' expectations, it may take some time to believe God loves you just the way you are.If women would only throw away the magazines which advise the use of the right creams, have the correct body weight, etc. If they read the Bible instead, they would be so much happier. This is what the Bible has to say: "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on jewelry, or beautiful clothes, or hair arrangement. Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious to God." (1 Peter 3:3-4)God looks at our heart. It is inner beauty that counts! God has a great plan just for you! It's different from anyone else's plan. One of the biggest mistakes we make is looking at others, instead of keeping our eyes on Jesus. We need to stop the negative self-talk. Take charge of your thoughts. If you do this, you will have that inner beauty that God looks at. It is so hard to be continually jealous of others - some are even envious of another's spirituality. I know some people who look like they are perfect and have it all together but inside they are miserable. Some are full of hatred, unforgiveness and jealousy because of comparing themselves with others. Many grow old before they are able to accept themselves! What a waste of time! God loves you just the way you are!! If you've been thinking wrong for 30 years, it isn't easy to change in one day. You may have brainwashed yourself: "I'm too skinny, too short, too tall, too plump, not smart enough, etc." People torment themselves trying to be somebody else. Celebrate yourself!! It might take a lot of work, but it's worth it. It's OK, you don't have to be like someone else. You weren't meant to be the same as somebody else. If you were continually compared to someone else while growing up, you can "get over it!" I don't think we can" get over it" without getting close to Jesus - close to God's Word!. Real Christians don't worry. Why? Because they know Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who have burdens and I will give you rest." Rest doesn't mean sitting in a recliner and not doing anything; it means you believe and trust that God is in charge of your life. If we're resting in God, we're not worrying about the future because we believe God plan is best for us.No matter what gifts we have, it would be foolish to take credit for any of them because all come from God. We are nothing except for what God gives us. If we look down on others because they do not have as many gifts as we do, that's foolish, too. True humility helps us to look upon everything we have as a gift from God. We all need the help of the Holy Spirit to realize the love God has for us because the Holy Spirit is LOVE! The Spirit longs to be our helper, our comforter and our friend.

I pray for each one of you daily that you will grow in love with Jesus!
Sister Francelle