The Only Person You Should Try To Be Better Than,

…is the person you were yesterday.

Some people may live their lives striving to be better than others or they may think they are superior to others. This usually happens when they compare themselves with others which can lead to negative traits such as jealousy and pride.  Therefore, the only person we should try to be better than is the one we were yesterday.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

I don’t consciously try to be better than others, but if I am tempted to think I’m better in a particular area; God reminds me to channel those feelings of pride into gratitude. Because every good thing in my life I owe to His abundant grace and mercy. I can’t take the credit for anything. Every blessing comes from Him and He deserves all the praise, glory and honor.

I’ve always struggled with feelings of inferiority and insecurity because I tend to compare myself with others. Comparison is a fruitless habit that makes me feel worse, because comparison leads me to believe I’m either better or less than others. So, I either have pride or feelings of jealousy and self-pity. Either way, I end up feeling bad about myself.

One sure-fire way to live a miserable life is to strive to be better than other people.

I’m not against healthy competition, just getting caught in the trap of comparison.

The problem with trying to be better than others is that we end up feeling either superior to others which leads to pride or inferior which can lead to feelings of jealousy, coveting or self-pity.

The Bible has an answer for this issue.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3 NIV)

We should think of ourselves with sober judgment.

We shouldn’t try to be better than others because each human being has intrinsic value. We have all been created in the image of God, (Genesis 1:27).

In addition, each person has strengths and weaknesses; and no one is perfect. Everyone is struggling with something and no one has their life all together; although it may seem that way to outsiders.

If we think we are better than others we may be prideful and we don’t have to go very far in the Bible to see how God feels about pride and humility.

• James 4:6 says, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (ESV)

• Matthew 23:12 says, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (ESV)

The truth is we can’t be better than the person we were yesterday without the help of the Holy Spirit.  With God’s help, we can honestly examine our own strengths and weaknesses, so we can be better than the person we were yesterday.

If we want to compare ourselves with someone, we should use Christ as our example. The Bible tells us to have the same mindset and humility as Christ. Even though He was God, He didn’t use it to His advantage, but made Himself a servant.

Philippians 2:3-8 says, “3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (NIV)

If anyone had a right to think He was better than others it was Jesus Christ. But, He possessed true humility as He humbled himself to the point of death on a cross for our sins.

True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. – Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?

Do you struggle with trying to be better than others?

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Please click here if you would like to do so now.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

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The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday. –Unknown | CLICK TO TWEET

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• What is the Worst Sin in the World?

• How to Avoid Comparison in a World Filled with It

• Who Needs Humility?How the Curse of Comparison Crushes

• How to Conquer the Curse of Comparison

• Having Just One Person to Please Brings Peace

• How to Survive Rejection and Find Acceptance Today

• How Reluctant Leaders Become Confident Achievers for God

• 3 Contradictions of Scripture

• Video: Have You Been Pecked At?

• Why Christians Can be Confident in Crushing Circumstances

• How to Rely More on the Spirit for Life & Ministry

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Prayer Does Not Fit Us For The Greater Work; Prayer Is The Greater Work. -Oswald Chambers

Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, but prayer is the greater work because we can do nothing without God’s help and power. We are dependent on Him and the greater work of prayer is essential for advancing His kingdom, plans and purposes.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

I am passionate about participating in the greater work of prayer. God has given me the desire to spend time serving Him through prayer.

Each morning I have an appointment with the Lord to pray. Every Monday evening, I meet with others at my church to spend one hour in prayer. We know we’re doing the greater work of prayer as we lift up our own requests; as well as the needs and concerns of the world and countries, cities, churches, pastors, ministries, family members, neighbors and strangers to the throne of God.

Each month I also meet with others to pray on a prayer and advisory team for Discipleship Journey’s with Jesus. Twice a month I meet with other mothers to lift up the needs of our adult children. God’s Spirit compels me to pray and I am always blessed when I spend time in prayer.

The greater work of prayer is work indeed; because it requires a sacrifice of time, faith, discipline, focus and effort. I may not always feel like praying, but God’s Spirit compels me, and the rewards are immeasurable and incalculable.

Prayer doesn’t fit us for the greater work, but prayer is the greater work; because without the work of prayer we can do nothing for God. We need Him to be fruitful.

John 15:5-8 says, “5I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (NIV)

The story of every great Christian achievement is the history of answered prayer. –E. M. Bounds

Prayer is a gift from God given to believers in Christ. God has established His Kingdom so that we can receive from Him based on prayer. The Bible confirms that God hears and intervenes in response to the prayers of His people.

• James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (NLT)

• John 15:7 says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (NIV)

• 1 John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (NIV)

The greater work of prayer is a privilege and responsibility for Christians. The Bible tells us to pray continually. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Consider the dire consequences of prayerlessness.

Without the greater work of prayer; Individuals, marriages, families, ministries, pastors and churches are left open to the deception and destruction of the devil. They are left vulnerable and susceptible to defeat.

This is because we are in a Spiritual battle being waged in the heavenly realms. The consequences have eternal ramifications; as the souls of people and their salvations are at stake.

But, God has not left us defenseless, because the greater work of prayer is a weapon for believers to give us protection.

Prayer pushes back the darkness, advances God’s Kingdom, protects people, wins souls; and arms believers against the wiles of the devil.

The Apostle Paul recognized the greater work of prayer. He wrote from prison and said:

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.  Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV)

If Paul knew his need for prayer, how much more should we recognize its importance in our lives?

Even though Paul was in chains for Christ, he continued to ask for even greater boldness and courage to declare the Gospel. Amazing!

Prayer is the greater work that emboldens and empowers us because we have a great God.

Are you committed to the greater work of prayer?

Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Please click here if you would like to do so now.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

For more FREE Inspirational Quote Cards you can use and share click HERE

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work. Oswald Chambers | CLICK TO TWEET

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.

• Why You Need Protecting Prayer in 3 Realms and How to Do It

• How Praising Unlocks Heaven on Earth

• So You Think You Can’t Take a Prayer Retreat?

• Why Thanking Prayers Are So Important

• Unexpected Ways It Pays to Pray

• Seven Ways to Pray When Suffering

• Unanswered Prayer is a Misnomer: God Always Answers

• How to Deal with Irreconcilable Differences in Marriage

• Podcast: Why and When Does the Devil Attack?

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

The Great Thing To Remember Is That Though Our Feelings Come And Go,

…His love for us does not. —C. S. Lewis

Because our feelings come and go, we may be tempted to think that God changes His feelings toward us. However, even though our feelings come and go; the wonderful thing to remember is that God’s love for us will never change.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

Feelings come and go and as a mentor for new believers at my church I tell them that tomorrow morning they may wake up feeling like they did not obtain salvation. If this happens they should not trust their feelings, but instead trust in the promises of God found in His Word.

The reason is because feelings can deceive us and make us not only doubt our salvation, but God’s love as well. We are wise then if we train ourselves to have faith and trust in the promises of God and not our feelings.

Our feelings come and go. They ebb and flow like ocean tides. For most people it’s not uncommon one day to feel up and the next day down. Sometimes feelings can even change moment by moment.

Feelings come and go because they’re fluid and can be affected by external or internal pressure.

Whether we are dealing with depression, anxiety, fear, worry or sorrow; we don’t need to despair because we can find help through Jesus Christ.

Feelings come and go, but whatever we’re experiencing, Christians have the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to help us in our time of need. We can pray and ask God to fill us with His Spirit, and experience His fruit as Galatians 5:22-23 says,

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control.”

It’s okay and healthy to express our feelings in the right way. The Book of Psalms in the Bible includes many examples of feelings and emotions that human beings experience.

Believers can pour out their hearts to God. After all, He created us with feelings and emotions. He can help us process them and give us His guidance.

• Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” (NIV)

• Psalm 55:1-2 says, “Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! 2 Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.” (NLT)

• Psalm 142:1-3 says, “I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. 2 I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. 3 When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.” (NLT)

We can bring our feelings to God; expressing them honestly and respectfully.

This quote by Martin Luther is fitting:

Feelings come and feelings go, And feelings are deceiving; My warrant is the Word of God– Naught else is worth believing.

Sometimes, we may think that God is moody and withholding His love from us; but Christians can know that God’s love is everlasting.

We may even allow our feelings to cloud the truth about God’s love but, feelings are unreliable and inaccurate gages to measure His love.

The Word of God is our reference for His love.

• Jeremiah 31:3 says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (NIV)

• Romans 8:38:39 says, “38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV)

Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not. The Bible gives us confidence that His love for us is everlasting, unfailing and immeasurable.

Do your feelings come and go?

Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Please click here if you would like to do so now.

NOTE: Mere Christianity, by C. S. Lewis, is a classic. Lewis wrote this book in defense of the Christian faith and to explain how he came to believe in God from an atheistic background. This book is extremely helpful for both new and mature believers, and anyone exploring the Christian faith.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

• The great thing to remember is that though are feelings come and go, His love for us does not. –C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity | CLICK TO TWEET

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Faith is the deliberate confidence in the character of God

• 7 Reasons Christianity Provides the Ultimate in Positive Thinking

• How to Renew Your Mind and Think More Positively

• Quick Video: Feeling Low?

• How to Rely More on the Spirit for Life and Ministry

• 3 Steps to Get the Help You Need Today

• Quick Video — The Wilderness Gardens Mill, the Scriptures and the Spirit

• 7 Ways to Pray When You’re Suffering

• Quick Video: You Are Not Alone

• 3 Big Anger Management Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• How to Conquer a Horrible Habit You Hate

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth