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Whoa, That's Good - Don't Let Comparison Rob You of the Reason You Were Created RECAP.
In this episode of Sadie Robertson's, Whoa That's Good podcast, Sadie speaks with Nona Jones, an Author and Preacher. The topic of this conversation was about comparison, its spiritual and definitive effects, and why we should be mindful when actively participating in compare and contrast mentalities. Please listen to this episode yourself; it's worth every minute!
First and foremost, I love Sadie Robertson! She seems to have such a genuine heart, and I appreciate how vocal she is about her perfectly imperfect walk with God. Her podcast, in particular, always provides a powerfully relevant message, no matter my season. Hours before encountering the wisdom overflowing from this podcast, I felt encouraged to pray about strengthening my relationship with God, how to be closer to him, and what I needed to change. What a way to answer a meaningful prayer! I immediately wanted to write out some things that stuck out to me. Below are the key points, broken down and discussed from my heart to yours!
James 4:6, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." God gives grace to those he knows he can trust, those that do not claim God's glory as their own. When prideful, we say we don't need God to help us achieve the blessings only he can award. God opposes the boastful for a reason!
"Success doesn't change you. It reveals you. It enables you to be more of who you already were." Let's talk about this truth Nona dropped right into our laps. What is true success? And, what is supposed to happen when we reach this expectation we set for ourselves? The thought of fame has always intimidated me. The invasion of privacy, the entitlement of strangers worldwide, nonstop chaos, and the heightening pressure to make a difference with the resources at hand - I (almost) can't blame celebrities for losing themselves to the madness. It is essential to bring God along for the good, the growth, and whatever success, just as we would in hardships.
"Achievements do not equal fulfillment" is another excellent sentiment. And a recurring one. All of my life, I have been chasing accomplishments. When I reach a goal or milestone, it's underwhelming and makes me focus on what I must achieve next. It is flattering how many people around me have such high expectations for this life I am living, but when does it provide true joy and purpose?
"It isn't what you know it's what you believe." Our identities directly represent what we value and, thus, how we live. Furthermore, our identities form when we go beyond the surface. It is great to know about Jesus, but we must believe that he is the way, the truth, the life (John 14:6). We must acknowledge and accept that what he did on the cross is more than enough than any shame or self-doubt we may face during trying situations. Altering the way we implement knowledge changes how we live.
"We do a lot and achieve a lot, not because we are excited about what we're doing, but because we have secured our identity to becoming that thing because we think once we get there, we'll finally matter" - WOW! Say it again, Nona! The number of times this type of self-sabotage has taken over! When I lose a little more weight, I'll feel so beautiful and appreciated (false). Once I hit that salary range, I'll be happy and consider myself successful (false). A common one, If I could settle down and have a family, I won't feel behind, and all my troubles would go away (also unfortunately false). Whatever your current "thing" is, why does it matter to you? Sometimes I get wrapped up in life's routines that I have to take a step back and ask myself what is essential and why I find it necessary. Stay rooted in something true and lasting when developing your identity.
Nona spoke about her childhood and some of the trauma that stems from it. She mentioned the one time her mom showed excitement when she received straight A's as a child. From then on, she brought A's home to feel the love from a mother that struggled to show it. We are all looking for the acceptance and validation of those around us. It's exhausting trying to be something for others. Everything now is performative, even for strangers on social media. We are so desperate for any sense of connection and approval that we put on a show for anyone willing to observe. This is not who you are or who you were created to be. Don't let what excites others become your purpose for temporary joy.
"God decided you were necessary for creation before conception." See Jeremiah 1:5. Dear reader, I hope you remember that not only are you loved more than you could imagine (see Isaiah 54:10 or 1 John 4:9-10), but you were loved before even walking the earth. It is very little we could ever do, attain, or win to earn a love like this. As Sadie and Nona stated, let God's word reign over what others have spoken over you.
"There is a constant sense of pursuit for more because God is in our spiritual DNA." My unhappiest seasons of life were when I was simply existing. I knew our existence was deeper than mindlessly roaming the earth until exhaling our last breath. We live in a world where much of society is battling darkness, loneliness, anxiety, and fear - go to God's light, love, compassion, grace, and righteousness (Matthew 11:28-29, John 16:33).
"Comparison pulls you away from who you are called to be. God did not create us to die a duplicate." AMEN! I love that our God is perfect but wants us to be unique. He has never asked us to be or adhere to one uniform version of his creation. God knows the heart he made for you and the plans he carefully weaved together for your future. Don't run from it just because it looks different from others.
Manufactured vs. real significance: As explained by Nona, manufactured significance is finding our worth in our friend groups, titles, appearances, relationship status, etc., to convince people in similar situations that we matter too. True significance is beyond titles, positions, and possessions.
This remarkable episode had me saying "Amen!" every few minutes! As the day went by, I still had my last prayer and the insight of Sadie and Nona on my mind. I had music going around the house, and no matter what song I tried to play, Real Thing by Maverick City & Dante Bowe kept wanting to play. After this happened twice, I let the song I love, but have never fully digested, play out. It fits the theme all too well.
Baby steps, my child
To you it may be nothing, but you make Daddy proud
Your weakness is only my strength
I hear your questions, and I'm closer than you think
I promise
I promise
And oh, I won't let go
I won't let go
I see you right where you are
And I'm holding onto your heart
Oh, I won't let go
I won't let go
I see you right where you are
And I'm holding on to your heart
You've been here all this time
Tell me where was I looking because you were'nt hard to find
Mercy opened up my eyes
Now I'm losing m religion to be loved like a child
....
I'm done pretending, I want the real thing
