Measuring up

It is sad and weirdly appropriate that this Scripture seems to be standing out on a Sunday morning. It is a harsh reminder for us to check our hearts and motives. When we are at church today we need to not compare ourselves to others neither putting ourselves above others nor to be jealous of others because of their gifts or positions. We need to remember that we are on a level playing field each with our own purpose and gifts. And there is One that we should desire to be like that is Jesus. We measure ourselves to Him not in a way that sets us up for disappointment and failure in our own eyes, but in a way that when we look down at the footprints in the sand we see that we are in perfect stride with Him we are going where He is and we are doing what we see Him doing. When we do this what others are doing doesn't seem to matter as much but what you will notice is the condition of their heart, you will see the hidden treasures that Abba has placed in them. You will be able to prophecy to those treasures and breath life into them and then you can watch and see the Holy Spirit do His work in them. What a gift it is to be able to see them grow and transform from the inside out!

James 3:13-18 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.