Watchman

Comparison is the thief of joy.

That's it, that's the blog.

Just joking. Don't you wish that it was that simple? That we could recognize the truth, accept it, and live it out? Me too, friend, me too.

John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

We know his intent. My question is, why are we so easily robbed?

So many of us don't even put up a fight when He comes to take our life hostage.

She is so pretty; I wish I looked like that.

He is so patient; why can't I be more like him.

Wow, why can't my kids behave as they do?

I want to travel as much as they do.

Why couldn't I be talented like that?

And we entertain it! We welcome the devil right on in to steal our joy and let him continue his deception. From a worldly perspective, this is like leaving a door unlocked at night. A thief comes in and is stealing your television. Instead of warding off this intruder - you say, "Oh, well, there is a bigger one in this bedroom back here, come and get it. Honestly, I have a lot of expensive jewelry too. It looks like your hands are full. Do you want me to carry some of it out?"

What?! We would never do that. So why do we just give a thief rights to our mind? Why do we willingly allow ourselves to become hostages? Why was the door open for him to come in the first place?

We were made with a plan and a purpose. So why are we trying to walk in someone else's? Have you ever seen the sort-a-shape toys for babies? The ones where you have to match the shape to the corresponding hole? Have you ever seen a child try and shove a circle into a triangle? It doesn't work. However, if they really force it, they can make shapes go into the places not meant for them. We do this same thing. We can be a triangle, and we will try and manipulate ourselves to become a square.

We have to start living out who we are meant to be, stay in the path marked for us, and trust that God knew what He was doing when He knit us together in our mother's womb. We have to remember that He doesn't make mistakes- so He wired us specifically for His perfect purpose for our lives.

Just like we protect our homes and property, whatever method that may look like for you, we have to protect our hearts and minds.

How do we do this? Through Gods word. ( John 17:17)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. - Philippians 4:8

Barricade your mind with things worthy of thought. Condemning thoughts and negativity will only lead to more negativity, isolation, and sadness. We begin only to see things from a negative perspective. But if we focus on the good, regardless of circumstances- we start to see the good around us. It is through the shield of faith that we extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy. ( Ephesians 6:16)

I hope that we all, brothers and sisters alike, will learn to walk not with a higher self-esteem but a holy confidence. We marvel at creation- mountains, oceans, stars, forests- yet exclude ourselves as if we are not His creation too.

If you are soft- be soft.

If you are tough- be tough.

If you artistic- create.

If you are athletic- move.

Whatever it is, God has put in you - radiate it with every fiber in your being. Quit trying to contort yourself into someone He never intended you to be. Hear His voice; let it echo deep down in your bones. Cast the thief back where He came from.