WALA YAN SA LOLO KO!

There’s always this desire in us to compare ourselves with others.

"Bakit mas mayaman siya?"

"Siya ulit ang top performer sa office? Kelan kaya ako?"

"Why does she cook so well?" 

"How can I be a better singer than him?"

"I am good but why is that person always better?"

David, in the bible, is presented as the benchmark for what a king should be. Solomon was compared to his father David in today's reading.

"When Solomon was old his wives had turned his heart to strange gods & his heart was not entirely with the Lord, his God, as the heart of his father David had been" - 1 Kings 11:4

Sometimes, we also have our own “Davids”. We measure our value based on others. We even do it several times. Solomon was compared to David in verse 4. Then he is compared to his father again in verse 6.

"Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not follow him unreservedly as his father David had done” - 1 Kings 11:6

Comparing ourselves to others leads to un-happiness. It’s not helpful at all. Today’s reading teaches us 3 things with regards to comparison.

1. YOUR ARE UNIQUE. Wala kang katulad. God made us unique. Even biological twins are not an exact replica of one another. The bible says that each one of us is "fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:14). Say this every morning, “God made me unique!” Make it a habit to declare that truth so that you may be reminded the next time you are tempted to compare yourself with others.
2. DON’T FOCUS ON WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE. You have your weaknesses. But you also have your own strengths. That applies to every individual. Yes, Solomon had his flaws. But remember David also sinned. Read 2 Samuel 11-12 where David commits adultery, lies & murders the husband of Bathsheba. David & Solomon had their strengths too. David killed Goliath, was a great king, wrote wonderful songs in the book of Psalms & more. Solomon famous for his wisdom, he was an excellent writer & he built God’s temple. So focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses.
3. TURN TO GOD. David sinned but repented. He changed his ways & turned to God. That’s not the case with Solomon in today's reading. He sinned & turned his heart was turned away from God. He followed his wives into the worship of false gods. That’s idolatry. We also have our own "idols" but we call it achievements, assets or success. Don’t be too focused on your achievements. Don’t let your success takeover your life. We should only look at One Being & that is the Lord. Let God rule over your life.

Stop comparing. Start living!

Break the habit of comparing yourself with others. Instead, #RiseUP & make it a habit to ask yourself “will this action that I will do bring glory & honor to Jesus?”.

Have a blessed Thursday! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com