Who the heck is THEM?
You know THEM. The people who had it better than you because they came from a two-parent household. Maybe THEM are the people who didn’t have to pay for college because they had a college fund. THEM. They are the people you compare yourself and your financial status to. You weren’t born in a rich family like them so you have to struggle for everything. THEM (excuse my grammar) were given the head start or hand up that you never were afforded. So you conclude that THEM will always do better financially than you because they were given a different deck of cards to play with in life. Yes, THEM. Maybe they are taking the vacations you dream of, living in the neighborhood you can barely afford to drive by. Heck, their kids dress better than you and they are eating steaks and organic food while you treat yourself to a fancy dinner at a drive through restaurant. THEM. Who are the THEMs in your life? It could be a sibling, celebrity or random person, but at some point, we’ve all compared ourselves to THEM.
The Real Deal
Comparing yourself to others is pointless. You really have no idea what it took for them to get where they are. And sometimes things are really not as they appear on the outside. I’ve known of families that I thought were financially sound and I wished I could have had what they had only to later find out that they were miserable and sometimes even in debt up to their eyeballs. Well, I surely don’t desire the latter part. So I have learned not to compare myself or envy what others have. There is so much more than what the eye can see. Comparison never really does you any good anyway. Either you are making yourself feel better at someone else’s expense or you are making yourself feel worse based on perceptions of where you think you should be. It’s really a pointless and unfruitful activity. Shifting your focus will lead you into your destiny. The only person we should compare ourselves to is Christ, but that’s another topic ;-).
Unlimited Faith
When you stop comparing yourself to others, you can see your own dreams more clearly.
You are where you are
So figure out where you are. Are you being authentic and true to yourself? What do you want to do? What does it take to get there? Are you taking the steps that are necessary to give you the life that you desire to live? The first step in changing anything is acknowledging where you are. Only then can you make a decision to move forward in the direction of your dreams. Be okay with where you are. We are all on a journey. Your journey is different from mine but that doesn’t make it better or worse. If you are at the bottom, the only place to go is up.
Unlimited Faith
You are where are but you don’t have to stay there.
Resolve today that this is the beginning of living your dream life. Every step you take in the direction of your dreams will lead you into your very own dream life. No longer will you look at THEM, the focus will be on what you are doing, where you are going.
You have what it takes
If you really think about it, at the core of everyone, we are the same. We are the same, yet we are unique. There is nothing more special about THEM than there is about you. You were created with special and unique gifts and talents that no one else has. The world is waiting on you to share your gift and make it a brighter place. Don’t let life, disappointments, circumstances or setbacks dim your light or snuff it out completely. Bring your gifts and talents to the table. There is absolutely nothing that you cannot do or accomplish. But the question is, do you believe that? If you are a believer, even more so, you should know that you can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you. If you believe the promises that God calls out in the Bible for you, why aren’t you embracing them and living them out? They are yours, you just have to take possession of them. Partner with God, let him lead you, walk in truth, integrity and purpose and watch your destiny unfold. You have what it takes. THEM (excuse my grammar) – they were not given anything that you can’t achieve. You want your dream house – use your gifts, work hard, save, be a good steward and trust God. You want to be happily married – again trust God, be the person God called you to be and don’t settle. You want financial freedom – take care of your finances, get out of debt, trust God, manage your money well. You want a successful business – save for it, educate yourself, trust God, take a leap of faith. Trusting God is BIG. Knowing that he wants you to have an abundant life is BIG. There is no good thing that He desires to withhold from you. Are you ready, can you be trusted with abundance?
Do Your Part
It’s not JUST FOR THEM. It’s for you, too. God wants you to have the desires of your heart but they must align with his will. Keeping up with the Jones’ and Kardashian’s is not in His will. Being free from debt IS. Using your gifts and talents for the kingdom IS. Being able to take care of your family IS. God knows what you need, He also knows what you desire. He wants what is best for you. Material things are not everything and there is nothing wrong with desiring to have a nice home, being able to take vacations and the such, but don’t let that make you miss out on what you do have. As long as you have breath in your body, you have so much to be thankful for and you have the opportunity to work towards your dreams. Thank God for where you are and where He’s taking you. Realize that with Him, nothing is impossible. God has great plans in store for YOU!
Now, lets get to work!!!