We all have them – those moments of comparison when we glance at someone else’s life and suddenly feel inadequate. I experienced one of these moments recently, and it was all thanks to tomatoes.
Every year, I attempt to cultivate a vegetable garden. And every year, the results are… modest, to put it kindly. However, this year was different. Being home more, I dedicated extra time to my garden and was thrilled to harvest a record number of tomatoes! Pride swelled as I admired my little red bounty. That is, until I saw my friend’s garden.
Her garden wasn’t just producing tomatoes. It was overflowing with okra, peppers, onions, spinach, kale, and vegetables I hadn’t even heard of. Suddenly, my impressive tomato harvest paled in comparison to her cornucopia of produce.
Feeling overshadowed by tomatoes might seem silly, and it is! But it’s a relatable example of a feeling we often grapple with: envy and jealousy.
God blesses each of us uniquely. We are entrusted with influence, talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts to glorify Him and contribute to His Kingdom. Yet, it’s easy to look around at our friends, communities, or even within our own families and wonder why our giftings seem “JV” while everyone else appears to have “varsity-level” talents.
Women, in particular, often struggle with comparison, and this can easily breed envy. It’s especially challenging when surrounded by so many faithful and inspiring women! We see their strengths, their accomplishments, and sometimes, our own gifts seem less significant.
Then, a simple but profound realization shifted my perspective. God didn’t give me these gifts for me. He gave me these gifts for Him! Our talents and abilities are bestowed upon us to serve those around us and bring glory to God. This changed everything. I began to truly appreciate how God had blessed me, and I started to trust Him with my specific giftings, valuing them regardless of how they compared to others.
Woman tending to her garden, kneeling amongst tomato plants
The Bible reminds us of this very principle: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace …” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV).
God calls you to utilize all your gifts, talents, and influence to serve others. Reject the lie that someone else’s talents are inherently superior to yours. Dismiss the thought that God can’t use you powerfully for His Kingdom. Take stock of your life and prayerfully consider everything God has entrusted to you – your unique gifts, talents, influence, resources, and even your personality. You are designed to serve others with these very things. And guess what? That gifting you love and cherish? It’s meant to serve others. That gifting you might doubt is “good enough”? It’s also meant to serve others.
I may never cultivate okra in my garden, but I am committed to continually using my specific, God-given gifts to serve Him and those around me. And yes, my tomatoes were indeed delicious!
Dear Lord, please remind us that the true purpose of our giftings is to bring You glory and serve those around us. We desire to use our gifts to point people to You. Help us to live out this purpose daily. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (ESV)
Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (ESV)
RELATED RESOURCES
To delve deeper into understanding and utilizing your gifts to glorify God, explore Jamie Ivey’s insightful book, You Be You: Why Satisfaction and Success Are Closer Than You Think.
Want to win a copy of You Be You? Jamie’s publisher is giving away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {Winners will be randomly selected and notified in the comments section by Monday, October 5, 2020.}
CONNECT
If you enjoy podcasts, be sure to listen to Jamie’s podcast, The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, with new episodes released every Wednesday and Friday.
Stay connected with Jamie on Instagram or Facebook, through her podcast or blog, or through her book.
REFLECT AND RESPOND
What is one God-given gift in your life you can express gratitude for today?
In what ways can your unique giftings bring glory to God and serve the people around you?
© 2020 by Jamie Ivey. All rights reserved.
What We Believe
