Similar verses on this topic, include:
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
James 1:23-25
Measuring Up
Friday, June 1, 2012
"When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves
with themselves, they are not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)
Do you ever compare yourself to other women and feel like you don't
quite measure up? Maybe you feel like you're not as smart, pretty, fun,
organized or as good at _______ as they are.
It is so easy to think that if we had more or knew more, we'd be
secure. But the truth is, even people who "have it all" still struggle
with feelings of insecurity. The Bible opens with the story of a woman
who had everything but it still wasn't enough (Genesis 2).
God had established Eve's worth as His child and the crown of His
creation. He also gave Eve every woman's desire: intimacy, beauty,
security, significance, and purpose. Yet Satan conjured up feelings of
insecurity by getting Eve to take her eyes off what she had and focus on
what she didn't have.
Boy, can I relate. Like Eve, I've heard Satan's whispers telling me I'm
not all I could be — or should be. One day I was reading her story in
Genesis 2 and I noticed that his questions and suggestions were intended
to plant seeds of doubt in Eve's heart. He wanted her to doubt God and
herself.
The enemy's whispers tempted Eve to try to "be" more and "have" more by
seeking significance apart from God's provision. He convinced her
something was missing in her life and that the forbidden fruit would
make her be "like God."
It was a foolish comparison, but all comparisons are. Yet don't we do it all the time? If
only I was like her...if only I had a house like hers, a husband like
hers, a job like hers...if only my children behaved like hers...If only
_______, then I'd feel significant, satisfied and secure.
In today's key verse, Paul warns us that those who "measure themselves
by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, are not wise" (2
Cor. 10:12 NIV). Comparison will always leave us feeling like we don't
measure up. We can try to do more and be more, yet it's never enough.
If only Eve had focused on who she was and what she had as a child of God. If only we could too.
Yet Satan wants us to focus on our flaws and feelings of inadequacy,
then exhaust our energy figuring out how to hide them. But we don't have
to go along with his schemes. Instead we need to equip ourselves to
recognize his lies, refute his temptations with truth, and focus on
God's acceptance, security, and significance. Then we can thank God for
His provision and His promises that remind us of who we are in Him:
I am accepted...
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
I am secure...
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from condemnation. I can't be separated from God's love.
Philippians1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from condemnation. I can't be separated from God's love.
Philippians1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.
I am significant...
Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Author and psychologist, Dr. Neil T. Anderson says, "The more you
reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior (and beliefs)
will begin to reflect your true identity!"
So, the next time we're tempted to use the measuring stick of comparison - let's commit to measure UP ↑ by focusing upward on Christ and who we are in HIM!
Lord, thank You that in Christ I'm chosen, holy, and dearly loved.
When I'm tempted to measure up according to the world's standards or my
foolish comparisons, help me recognize Satan's lies, refuse his
temptations and rely on your truth about me instead. Remind me that such
confidence as this is mine through Christ—not that I am competent in
myself to claim anything for myself, but competence comes from You. In
Jesus' name, Amen. (Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:9; 2 Corinthians 3:4-5)
Cash Flow Plan - Making Saving More Exciting
Pay Yourself Second
Matt Bell
Of all the things you can do with money, few are more boring than putting it into a savings account, right?
Spending it? Now, that’s fun. Investing can be enjoyable, too. But parking some money in an “interest-bearing” savings account where $1,000 may turn into $1,001 in a year’s time? Who needs it?
You do, and so do I, which is why Put Some Away is the fifth of my 11 principles for simple meaningful financial success.
Making Savings More Exciting
Imagine that every dollar you put on deposit will improve your health. Research shows that people with an adequate emergency fund experience less stress than those that don’t.
If you’re married, imagine that every dollar you put into savings is an investment in your relationship. Research shows that couples that live within their means, putting a portion of their earnings into savings, are happier than those that don’t.
No matter what your situation, let’s face it: in life, stuff happens. Cars break down, costing us more than we have in our maintenance and repair fund (you do budget some money each month for maintenance and repairs, don’t you?). Other unplanned expenses pop up.
For all those reasons and more, it’s important to pay yourself second.
“Ah, Matt, isn’t that supposed to be, ‘Pay yourself first?’” No. As we talked about earlier in this series on the 11 principles for simple, meaningful financial success, it’s important to pay your purpose first, and then pay yourself.
How Much Should You Keep in Savings?
If you have any debt other than a reasonable mortgage, build a savings account with enough money to pay one month’s worth of essential living expenses. Then, go after your debt. Once you’re out of debt, build an emergency fund valued at six months’ worth of essential living expenses.
How much is that for you? Take a look at the categories on our Cash Flow Plan worksheet and highlight the ones that are truly essential.
If you lost your job tomorrow, going on a vacation probably wouldn’t be a high priority. But you’d still need to pay your mortgage or rent and utilities, buy groceries and other essentials.
Where Should You Keep Your Savings?
None of the choices for savings accounts are very attractive these days. Interest rates are extremely low.
However, online banks usually pay better rates than brick and mortar banks. As do credit unions.
But earning interest isn’t a primary goal of an emergency fund. Mostly, you just want your money to be safe and accessible if you need it.
One final word of recommendation about savings. Keep your emergency fund in a separate account. When people keep money intended for emergencies in their checking account, it usually leaks. It’s just too tempting to use it for other things.
Cash Flow Plan Worksheet: http://www.soundmindinvesting.com/visitors/res/resources.htm
Spending it? Now, that’s fun. Investing can be enjoyable, too. But parking some money in an “interest-bearing” savings account where $1,000 may turn into $1,001 in a year’s time? Who needs it?
You do, and so do I, which is why Put Some Away is the fifth of my 11 principles for simple meaningful financial success.
Making Savings More Exciting
Imagine that every dollar you put on deposit will improve your health. Research shows that people with an adequate emergency fund experience less stress than those that don’t.
If you’re married, imagine that every dollar you put into savings is an investment in your relationship. Research shows that couples that live within their means, putting a portion of their earnings into savings, are happier than those that don’t.
No matter what your situation, let’s face it: in life, stuff happens. Cars break down, costing us more than we have in our maintenance and repair fund (you do budget some money each month for maintenance and repairs, don’t you?). Other unplanned expenses pop up.
For all those reasons and more, it’s important to pay yourself second.
“Ah, Matt, isn’t that supposed to be, ‘Pay yourself first?’” No. As we talked about earlier in this series on the 11 principles for simple, meaningful financial success, it’s important to pay your purpose first, and then pay yourself.
How Much Should You Keep in Savings?
If you have any debt other than a reasonable mortgage, build a savings account with enough money to pay one month’s worth of essential living expenses. Then, go after your debt. Once you’re out of debt, build an emergency fund valued at six months’ worth of essential living expenses.
How much is that for you? Take a look at the categories on our Cash Flow Plan worksheet and highlight the ones that are truly essential.
If you lost your job tomorrow, going on a vacation probably wouldn’t be a high priority. But you’d still need to pay your mortgage or rent and utilities, buy groceries and other essentials.
Where Should You Keep Your Savings?
None of the choices for savings accounts are very attractive these days. Interest rates are extremely low.
However, online banks usually pay better rates than brick and mortar banks. As do credit unions.
But earning interest isn’t a primary goal of an emergency fund. Mostly, you just want your money to be safe and accessible if you need it.
One final word of recommendation about savings. Keep your emergency fund in a separate account. When people keep money intended for emergencies in their checking account, it usually leaks. It’s just too tempting to use it for other things.
Cash Flow Plan Worksheet: http://www.soundmindinvesting.com/visitors/res/resources.htm
June 1, 2012
Dear Diary,
When I was going to church today at 1pm (for the parking spot), I was kinda lazy in the morning, since I thought I didn't have anything I had to do in the morning. So, I woke up at 10am, washed my face, brushed my teeth, pray, send text messages to Fanny for her bday, pay my rent, then when I was about to leave, somehow I felt that I should have waken up a bit early today so that I could cook something simple (fried rice, etc) to bring to church for my dinner later with Tim.
So I am writing this to keep me remember that there is always things I can do early in the morning when I wake up, that I won't fall back asleep and start my activities with full of joy and gladness in Him.
Please guide me, Lord to prepare ahead of time, tho I always do not know what to do. Please help me to always be diligent and energetic to join You in the morning, and be ready for the tasks You would like me to do. For in Jesus' name I would like to serve you with all I am. Amen!
When I was going to church today at 1pm (for the parking spot), I was kinda lazy in the morning, since I thought I didn't have anything I had to do in the morning. So, I woke up at 10am, washed my face, brushed my teeth, pray, send text messages to Fanny for her bday, pay my rent, then when I was about to leave, somehow I felt that I should have waken up a bit early today so that I could cook something simple (fried rice, etc) to bring to church for my dinner later with Tim.
So I am writing this to keep me remember that there is always things I can do early in the morning when I wake up, that I won't fall back asleep and start my activities with full of joy and gladness in Him.
Please guide me, Lord to prepare ahead of time, tho I always do not know what to do. Please help me to always be diligent and energetic to join You in the morning, and be ready for the tasks You would like me to do. For in Jesus' name I would like to serve you with all I am. Amen!
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