Sons

May I write something very personal to you. Please do not think me out of place in writing this,

Don’t “compare ourselves with ourselves” (2 Co 10:12):  One of the joys of my life (I get emotional just thinking about it) is when I’m speaking somewhere and someone comes up and tells me how awesome one of my sons is. “We think your son is awesome.” And, I say “thank you, which one.” And in the nano-second between the question and the answer, every time I think., “but you know, it simply doesn’t matter.” They are both a blessing and tremendous ministers who love the Lord, His People and Souls. And I can breath. But here’s the thing. They are as different as night and day. And there is no reason to compare them. Give Philip a microphone and he’ll blow your socks off. He’s comfortable in front of a crowd. He is a system’s guy. Andrew, he doesn’t need a mic. He will love people to death and serve them. Yes, he can preach and teach and yes, Philip can do one on one. They are both insanely creative and both intensely devoted to the Word of God but they are different. Why would I compare them? 

Of course I’m a proud dad but if you think that why I’m writing this piece then you are miles off base. My point is for you to be the best you you can be for God. I know guys who’s ability to understand and apply words in original language is a thing of pure beauty. I also know brothers who can collect, remember, and present moving illustrations that shed beautiful light on the text, but struggle with the English language let alone the Greek. I know guys who can present lesson after lesson without a note who can connect with their audience well, but who are insecure about one-on-one visiting.

But it seems for most of us it is our weaknesses that chase us, we want what we don’t have and can become envious of the gift we do not possess. If you spend your ministry trying to be someone other than you, comparing your “success” with that of others, you’ll never impact those you uniquely can impact. Talk about a recipe to keep you discouraged, ineffective, and on the ledge of quitting! And, you stand in danger of forgetting that the Father is proud of all of His sons who are faithfully serving Him. He sees beyond your cannot’s and to your committed service. You are His sons and The Father is proud of the stewardship of each of the skills He has provided.