Measure Up

We all compare ourselves to others in some way. The question is how do you? In the looks or size department? How about personality? Whose got the most "toys" (see Not Enough and Test Me)? Sucess? Better Spouse and kids? Most activities?

Mine is appearance... more specifically size. If you are a woman, fess up, we all deal with this to some extent. I think we look at other girls, as much if not more than guys do, out of envy or covetness. We must realize, in God's eyes, that is no different than a man out of lust (Matthew 5:28).

Confession Time:  I'm doing it this very moment with my expanding body... I'm in my 17th week with a bun in the oven. From the begining, i've obsessed over gaining weight back... I don't want to look fat this time. I'm starting to dread weigh in days at the doctor again. (No need to worry, I love food too much to deprive myself so the wee one is getting plenty of calories.) My focus is all wrong. I compare my pregnant body with other women. "How come I can't have that perfect basketball belly!?!? How come, I just look like I've gained some LBs." Yes, I kid you not. I've heard it a few times in past pregnancies .... Please note... NEVER say this to a pregnant woman!!!

That's my weakness right now. Now, now Christie ... tell the truth... Ok, actually, this has been a lifelong weakness of mine. I've always wished I had six pack abs and upper arms that do not wave back at you when my hand does. I've always had a love affair with food... love / hate is more like it. I walk around comparing and condemning myself for not being smaller. However, what I have found is, no matter what size I am, it's never been "good enough."... Wait ... What was that? "I'm not good enough," there's that lie again. Once again, I'm being decieved.

Ready for the Truth: When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12b

Why is it not wise?
1) We lose our freedom that Christ died to give us. Our identity is in Him only (Col 2:9-10)
2) When you judge yourself by the world's standard, you will fail. If only you would accept yourself by God's mercy and grace, you would win every time.
3) Our focus changes from becoming more like Christ on the inside to perfecting ourselves on the outside. One day, this body will wither away, but my spirit will live forever. This is where my focus needs to be... growing fruit (Galations 5:22-23) and not shrinking my frame. Besides, if you're working on the inside, outside change is a byproduct and with right motives.

Ready for MORE TRUTH - FREEDOM: I praise you for I am fearfully and wondefully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14

If you are talking against yourself or comparing yourself to others in any way, you are basically in DISAGREEMENT WITH GOD. You are saying what He created (you) is wrong. We have to stop... Stop looking at the world for the thumbs up approval (that will never come) and start looking at the Creator who made you and said, "It is good" (Genesis 1:31).

I CHOOSE to be at peace with who God made me to be. I CHOOSE to get into agreement with God and take care of my body (His temple 1 Cor 6:19-20) so I can be all that he created me to be... not what size I think I should be (pregnant or not).