Things have been quiet here at the blog for a while now. I could blame it on motherhood, ministry, or decluttering my basement and all of those would be true. I was struck today, however, with another, deeper reason why I have had writer's block since Spring.
Comparison.
This ugly, controlling sin sneaks into my heart in so many ways. Blogging is just one of the ways that it steals my joy and puffs up my ego. When I see other amazing articles, videos, and pictures I doubt God's ability to use my personality and gifts. When writing comes easily or I receive feedback on a certain post, my pride grows.
This self-focused viewpoint then quickly spills over into jealousy and discontentment.
I wish I had her crafting ability!
I'll never be able to teach like her!
Man, her kids are well-behaved!
The ironic thing, is that I truly desire to draw attention to God's pursuing love and lavish grace, but comparing my gospel-sharing ability with others assumes that His grace somehow depends on me! I couldn't be more wrong! My story and experiences are opportunities to point not to myself, but to HIS grand story of redemption.
My shortcomings point to His holiness.
My selfishness points to His love.
My inconsistencies point to His faithfulness.
As I continue to share the stories from our small-town life, I pray that attention will be brought to Christ. After all, His story is ALWAYS more than enough.
Comparison.
This ugly, controlling sin sneaks into my heart in so many ways. Blogging is just one of the ways that it steals my joy and puffs up my ego. When I see other amazing articles, videos, and pictures I doubt God's ability to use my personality and gifts. When writing comes easily or I receive feedback on a certain post, my pride grows.
This self-focused viewpoint then quickly spills over into jealousy and discontentment.
I wish I had her crafting ability!
I'll never be able to teach like her!
Man, her kids are well-behaved!
The ironic thing, is that I truly desire to draw attention to God's pursuing love and lavish grace, but comparing my gospel-sharing ability with others assumes that His grace somehow depends on me! I couldn't be more wrong! My story and experiences are opportunities to point not to myself, but to HIS grand story of redemption.
My shortcomings point to His holiness.
My selfishness points to His love.
My inconsistencies point to His faithfulness.
As I continue to share the stories from our small-town life, I pray that attention will be brought to Christ. After all, His story is ALWAYS more than enough.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21