“Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each should carry his own load” (Galatians 6: 4-5, NIV)
Bananas gleam as the crown jewel of our fruit basket. After all, what other fruit can compare? Potassium, creamy texture, and premium sweetness come packaged in its own skin. Surface brown spots don’t steal their value. Aging offers an opportunity for banana bread.
When lumped in the basket with other fruits, the yellow gems evoke jealous rot. Apples and tomatoes cannot tolerate the celebrities’ shadow for long. Spoilage must be discarded, a tragic waste.
How often have I felt ruined when comparing myself with other writers? For example, How on earth did that famous person complete such a tremendous work in six months? Or, worse yet, I wish I could write the way he does, but my writing just doesn’t compare. I can’t complete the tasks designed for me when spoiled by distraction over other wordsmiths’ fruit.
The Lord selects our specific word-gifts to convey benefits to the world, much like a chef preparing a fruit salad. Each of our voices share His message with unique texture, flavor, and benefit. Our individual styles add to the blissful nourishment God offers the world.
Which perspectives could you or I throw in for color? Let’s consider the flavors contributed by our unique pieces of the divine recipe. As the scent rises to heaven, how might the harmonious message smell to our Master Chef?
Lord, free me from rotten attitudes. Guide me to cultivate the spiritual fruit You invested in my soul. Help me resist the temptation to peer over the shoulders of other servants. Free me from the temptation to compare my writing to the works of those You have called to purposes distinct from mine. Amen.
Meet today’s writer.
Inspirational speaker, online life coach, and latte junkie, Tina Yeager loves to offer encouragement through words. She’s an award-winning author and licensed therapist who also provides manuscript reviews to ensure psychological accuracy. For coaching or more written content, visit her for a virtual cup of java at divineencouragement.com and tyeagerwrites.com.
This excellent post reminds me of the fruit of the Spirit – Love, joy, peace, long suffering, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. We need all of these in our writing efforts. Thank you, Tina!
Thank you, Janet! May the Spirit anoint your work and bring delicious fruit from all your endeavors.