Rack & Stack

In my husband’s line of work, he and his coworkers are consistently rated and ranked on their performance. They call this comparative grading, the “Rack & Stack” and it can either be heartening or devastating to find out where you “rack in the stack.”

We all perform our own mental “Rack & Stack” with others… “She’s thinner than me,” “My outfit is cuter,” “He’s in better shape,” “My kid is smarter,” “Whoa, they’re loaded!” and on, and on. It can drive you crazy to constantly see how you measure up to those around you. It’s a trap I often fall into and somehow I never end up on top.

Competition is great when it’s all fun and games, but holding yourself up to others can be perilous. I love what Paul writes in Galatians 6:4, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” (The Message)

When I read this, I’m definitely encouraged! There are several great bits of wisdom in that verse! I like how Paul reminds us that we each have our own unique work, our own special purpose to fulfill. No one else can accomplish what God has created us each to do! This alone makes us valuable and incomparable to others. When we realize this value and focus on carrying out our own purpose, it helps those feelings of judgment dissipate.

I also appreciate the reminder to not be impressed with ourselves. That’s another downfall to ranking yourself against others; unhealthy pride and vanity in your achievements, possessions, circumstances…all things that can disappear in a moment.

And Paul can’t make it any clearer: Don’t compare yourself to others! It can lead to discouragement, envy, disappointment and it tells God that you’re unhappy with how He made you and the blessings He’s given you.

Romans 12:6 puts it well, "So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't." (The Message)

Believe me, I’m writing this today for me more than anyone. It’s something I know but have a difficult time putting it into practice!

I hope you’ll join me in this…let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be and sink ourselves into the work that God has given us, doing the creative best we can with our own lives. (Thanks, Paul!)

Announcements:

• Let's go green! It's Impact Weekend this weekend, October 18-19! Watch out for our latest Impact Video to be played during services. And don't forget to wear your Impact shirts, bracelets, or any other green gear.


• If you would like to order an Impact shirt, visit the Impact kiosk in the lobby this weekend to sign up.


• Our next team meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7:00 pm, come at 6:15 pm for food and drinks beforehand. Check your email for an evite and PLEASE RSVP!


• As we continue "Exodus" in Elementary and "God is Big!" in Kids Boost, we're preparing for our exciting Exodus Art Fair on Nov. 1 & 2. Check our HD page on the Radiant Website for details. Entries are by by Oct. 26.


• Save the Date; we're getting together for a fun, fall-themed Team Time Out on November 16.