#write31days: Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better

Anything you can do,

I can do better

I can do anything

Better than you.

No, you can't. 

Yes, I can. No, you can't.

Yes, I can. No, you can't.

Yes, I can,

Yes, I can!

The lyrics above are from the musical Annie Get Your Gun. Admittedly, I haven’t seen this show. But I’ve heard the song, and you probably have too. Today we’re going to talk about comparing accomplishments and talents.

How many times have you thought to yourself:

I wish I were as smart as her.

She’s so talented and has it all together. I’m a mess.

Wow, her life is perfect!

If only I had the same personality as her, I’d be so much better at _______.

It is so incredibly tempting to look to the right or left and allow ourselves to be bogged down in insecurity. But when we consider others as better than ourselves and allow everyone else’s talents to overshadow ours, we miss out on opportunities God has given us to shine and to grow. When I’m so laser focused on all that I cannot do, how can I serve Him with a humble heart?

God does not ask us to be anyone other than who He has created us to be. He does not expect us to be able to do it all. So why do we expect that of ourselves? Why do we think that we should be able keep every plate spinning and satisfy every one? We place expectations, requirements, and burdens upon ourselves that were just never meant to be ours to carry. 

Paul says in Romans 12:4-8, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Each of us has a different gift that can be used to encourage others and to build the kingdom of God. Let’s not waste our time by wishing for what has not been given to us. Let’s work together and use what we’ve got to strengthen others and watch God do something incredible with all of His people united in His name.