Have you ever tried to be someone you’re not?

I’ve always thought I was pretty well-adjusted and secure in my identity as a child of God. But I soon met a curveball at work when I started comparing myself to some of my colleagues. Two of them in particular are extroverted and gifted orators — qualities I don’t possess.

The funny thing is that I have no particular impulse to be extroverted or a speaker, and yet I compared myself to them.

“Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourself to others. Assume your own responsibility.” (Galatians 6:4-5)

I had become envious of their gifts from God, of the value they were bringing to the Kingdom. But what I should have been looking at was God Himself — keeping my own heart and work in check.

Serving in ministry, I think many of us begin the work with good hearts. But when pride in our work is left unchecked, conceitedness can creep into our hearts, especially if we want to do a big thing for God.

But as God’s children, there’s no space for a spirit of comparison in our work or ministries(2 Corinthians 10:12) .
Because the thing is, if you constantly have your eyes on the people around you, a day will come when you eventually stop looking at God altogether.

Making comparisons only leads to rivalry (Philippians 2:3) and pride — never true humility. It makes for divisions and sides though we are all God’s children — equally loved.

When you see the magnificent things that are happening through these people’s lives — the results of God’s anointing and blessing — intentionally give God the glory.

If you must look at people, then look at the Almighty God who is working through them. And when you see the magnificent things that are happening through these people’s lives — the results of God’s anointing and blessing — intentionally give God the glory.

For what He is doing through them is entirely because of Him. The very moment we begin to think otherwise is when pride has crept in. Things will slowly start to be about us.

And if we continue going down that path, we’ll eventually begin claiming His glory for ourselves.

I spent a few weeks making such comparisons before God shook me out of my stupor. And I’m thankful He did, because all I was doing was wasting time.

The simple truth is that if we keep trying to be someone we’re just not meant to be, we’ll never become who God wants us to be.
And that’s exactly what the Adversary wants: For us to be derailed and distracted from walking into our God-given destiny.

If we keep trying to be someone we’re just not meant to be, we’ll never become who God wants us to be.

I recently attended Hillsong’s Worship and Creative Conference, where the band introduced two of their new songs, which will be released next year. Both these songs had verses which really spoke to me.

Make me a vessel, make me an offering
Make me whatever You want me to be
(New Wine)

I am chosen, not forsaken
I am who You say I am
(Who You Say I Am)

The words seemed to take on a whole new meaning for me as I worshipped freely — my life and destiny once again abandoned to the sovereign will of God.

So who are you really?

And who will you choose to be? I know in my heart that there is a unique plan and role for each and every one of us in the family of God. God has chosen us, and given each of us our portion for this life.

The bigger question at hand is whether we will steward our unique gifts and stories, and imitate Christ (Ephesians 5:1). Not people — but Christ!

A right view of our place in the Kingdom produces thanksgiving and peace. So there’s no need to strive — or for strife — because we belong to Him.

When we live from acceptance, we no longer have to live for it.