Moses and Tiger Woods

Moses and Tiger Woods

It was a simple statement, but one I’ll never forget. 

I was playing golf with my dad many years ago, discussing the epic victory that Tiger Woods had pulled off the day before.  I joked with a slightly envious tone, “Wouldn’t it be great to hit the ball like Tiger…. even once?!”  My dad chuckled, but responded unexpectedly,

“Well, Tiger can’t play the guitar like you can.”

Although it was just a trivial conversation, the thought stayed with me.  Comparing myself to others, even in a light-hearted way, is unproductive.  There will always be other people, places, and things that make our lives seem less attractive.  But in the process of comparison, we overlook our own unique gifts and circumstances.   

Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough when compared to someone else? 

Moses was one of those people.  Yes, Moses… great warrior of faith and hero of Israel.  With all the time he spent in the wilderness in his later years, we often forget that Moses had a royal upbringing. He was raised by Pharoah’s daughter, and likely lived in the one of the most regal palaces on earth.  He had the best of everything, including a world-class education.  But later, when God asked this ivy-leaguer to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, what was his response? 

“I’m not a good speaker.”

Have you ever wondered about this excuse?  Where did Moses come up with the notion that he wasn’t a good speaker?  Was he just trying avoid God’s calling, or was he mentally comparing himself to someone he thought was more eloquent?  Probably both.  When you think about it, claiming you’re not good at something usually has its roots in comparison.   

Acts 7:22 tell us that Moses was actually “powerful in both speech and action,” so downplaying his own gifts didn’t sit well with God.  Moses’ justifications and comparisons were getting in the way of the Lord’s plan for his life.  The same can be true for us.  Comparison is like saying we’re not grateful for the way God made us, or for the specific gifts we’ve been given.     

God never asks us to define our worthiness by our own standards.  Instead of comparing ourselves with others, let’s focus our eyes on only one person – Jesus. 

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.  Romans 12:6

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

- Ron Reid