Comparison

My son runs track and somewhere along the way I picked up the line, "Find your lane. Run your race." It is the note I tuck into his bag just before meets. We both know that if he watches his peers he could be discouraged, the next casualty on the track, or even disqualify himself.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) 

God has set you in your lane with everything needed for a dynamic life with Him. If you are not careful though, you may jump lanes from "love your neighbor" to "watch your neighbor" without a second thought.

This habit is a hard one to break because it is human nature to compare to find significance. When we measure ourselves against people, sadly we apply a value system God did not create. As a result, we tend to fall into the pits of self-criticism or self-exaltation.

In contrast, imagining who you can become because of Jesus Christ is a healthy comparison.

"The LORD will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever." (Psalm 138:8)

This type of comparison shifts your perspective to better see that God is your Source of every blessing and success, not yourself.

When you are tempted to compare yourself to another person, instead of feeling envious or self-loathsome, combat those lies with the opposite spirit. Give sincere congratulations, and heart that darn picture on social media. Look for God's goodness and ask Him to reorient you to your lane.

Your significance lies in being one infinitely valued by your Heavenly Father. He is at work in your life.

Dallas Willard wrote, 

“The obviously well-kept secret of the ‘ordinary’ is that it is made to be a receptacle of the divine, a place where the life of God flows.” 

Remember God does not look to your left or right. You have a tremendous crowd cheering you on (Heb. 12:1). Find your lane and run your race.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please help me not to compare myself to others. You are my Source. Lord Jesus, grace me to run my race and keep my eyes on You. Amen.

Get Your Hands on The Net

As Christians, we are called to spread the love and message of Jesus Christ. This can be done in many ways, and one of the most effective ways is by Getting Your Hands on The Net.

This phrase, taken from Matthew 4:19, means to be proactive in reaching out to others and sharing the hope and truth of the Gospel. One of the best ways to do this is by serving on a Dream Team at The Point Church.

In 1 Peter 4:10, we are told that we have each been given a spiritual gift, which is meant to be used to serve others. When we serve others, we are fulfilling our calling and purpose as Christians. We are also building relationships and making a positive impact on the world around us.

As Mother Teresa once said,

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."

Serving on a dream team at The Point Church is a great way to Get Your Hands on The Net and serve others. The Dream Team is made up of people who have discovered their gifts and passions and are actively serving in them. Whether you have a gift for creating a comfortable environment for others, leading the next generation to Jesus, crafting a dynamic worship experience, or tearing down barriers in your community, there is a place for you on the Dream Team.

As famous Christian author and pastor, Rick Warren once said,

"You were created to make a difference in this world. God designed you to use your gifts, talents, and resources to fulfill a unique purpose."

By serving on a Dream Team, you are fulfilling that purpose and making a positive impact on the world around you.

Another benefit of serving on a Dream Team is the opportunity for personal growth and spiritual development. When we step out of our comfort zones and serve others, we are challenged to rely on God and trust in His plan for our lives. As John C. Maxwell once said,

"Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."

Serving on a dream team can help us develop a positive and proactive attitude toward life, as we learn to trust in God's plan for us.

Finally, serving on a dream team can bring joy and fulfillment into our lives. As Jesus said in Acts 20:35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." When we serve others, we are giving of ourselves and making a positive impact on the world around us. This brings joy and fulfillment into our lives, as we know that we are living out our purpose and making a difference in the world.

Getting your hands on the net means being proactive in sharing the hope and truth of the Gospel with others.

Serving on a Dream Team at The Point Church is a great way to do this, and it offers many benefits, including fulfilling our purpose as Christians, building relationships, personal growth, and bringing joy and fulfillment into our lives. As William Arthur Ward once said, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."

By serving on a Dream Team, we can be great teachers, inspiring others to live out their purpose and make a positive impact on the world around them.