1 Samuel 16:7, "But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.' The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Think

We've all heard the saying, "The grass is always greener on the other side." It's true, isn't it? It's human nature to compare ourselves with others and think what they have is better - but that's not what God wants. In fact, it's the enemy who loves to play the comparison game. He seeks discontentment; he wants us to feel as if we lack in various ways and, therefore, are less impactful than others. Do you find yourself caught in the enemy's game right now, trying to live a life that you weren't created to live?

Comparison robs us of living a joyous, Spirit-filled life. In today's reading, we're alerted to not look at the surface, what we see outwardly, but to look at what God looks at - the condition of our hearts. He desires for us to live authentic, original lives.

How's your heart? Does jealousy or discontentment reign? Or, do you recognize that God created YOU to BE YOU? He's hand-designed you with specific gifts and abilities that no one else has. Think about it! No one else has your laugh, your fingerprints, your walk, or your experiences...You are unique! So, stop playing the comparison game or thinking others have it better than you - that the grass is greener on the other side. It's not. Live original in this one and only life. Remember, you are God's handiwork who He created to do amazing things before the beginning of time!

Act

When was the last time you thanked God for blessing you with unique gifts and abilities? Take a few minutes today to spend time in prayer, thanking God for creating you to live original!

Pray

Dear God, Thank You for creating me to be one-of-a-kind. Help me see the special plans that You have for my life. I want to do my best to live original without comparing myself with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.