For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us…. Romans 12:4-6a (KJV)

As members of the body of Christ, we all have our assigned jobs to do for the kingdom. According to this passage from Romans, we are all part of the body of Christ, meaning we are all important to God’s plan. However, our gifts, and callings are not identical. In order to accomplish His will on earth, God has made us unique, with distinct talents and qualities all our own. The gifts given to us by God are assigned according to the grace that is given to us. In other words, God has made and gifted each of us differently because He has called and empowered each of us to do something different. His gifts are given with the purpose of equipping each person for the work they are to do for Him.

The problem is when the members of the body begin to compare themselves with other members. If they believe that someone else has a better gift, they may become jealous and envious; they may even try to operate in that person’s gifting because they want it so badly. On the other hand, if a person compares their gift with another’s and they see their gift as better than their brother or sister’s, that is equally problematic, because they disdain and discount the value of that person to God and they belittle their role in bringing God’s eternal plan to pass.

For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. I Corinthians 12:14-18 (KJV)

True unity and effectiveness comes when we understand that we need to develop and use what God has given us and when we stop trying to be what we are not. God has set each person in the body of Christ as it pleases Him, not us.

Comparison is one of the most effective weapons in the devil’s arsenal and we need to stay clear of it. It is damaging and deadly and it has no benefit whatsoever.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)

Comparisons are not wise. When we compare, we are either setting ourselves as the standard or some other person as the standard. The only real standard is Jesus Christ, and we can never measure up to Him on our own- we must rely on Him and walk in His grace and ability. As we walk the Christian walk, let us strive to be only who God has made us to be and to fulfill the assignment He has given us. When we focus on living for Jesus and completing what He has called us to do, all the members of the body fit together and everything works out as it was intended to.

God’s direction is clear: stay in your lane.