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 measure of faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:3-8, NIV
Lord, I’m not happy with myself. I see other teachers doing such creative things, and I can’t draw or paint like they do, so my room doesn’t look that special. Denise’s room is all decorated like a deep-sea scene, and my room feels so plain in comparison. And Andy, he always comes up with tremendous outdoor activities. He taught the students courage by taking them rock climbing. But I don’t like to climb or hike, Lord! And Jennifer! She’s so talented with electronics, and she videos her students with such amazing results.
I am so boring, Lord! But I can’t change!
What are you saying? That you’ve given each of us different gifts, and we’re to use them? You’re reminding me that I’m a wonderful listener and that parents open up and tell me things the school has never known because they trust me? You’re telling me that You love the way I encourage students and make them feel wiser and safer?
Thank You, Lord. Help me appreciate the gifts You have given me and not be sorrowful about others who have different gifts. Help me use my gifts well, today, Lord. And help me appreciate others without comparing myself to them.
Lord, please help me to rejoice in the gifts You have given to me. May I use them well to serve You and Your people. Thank You for putting me in the perfect school and with the exact people and students where I can be used by You. I pray each one accepts Jesus as Savior. Thank You. Amen.
Copyright Cheryl Skid.
Cheryl is a retired Christian Educators member from Missouri.
One Response
Thank you! This was perfect. How often do we tell our students not to compare themselves with others? We see it all of the time- not as athletic, not as smart, not as outgoing, not as whatever, hearing the words, “I wish I were more like ____” or “I wish I could ___like (fill in a name). We’re doing the same same, are we not, as we compare classrooms or lessons or even personalities. We want to be the popular teacher that of the students love. That doesn’t come from the “perfect” classroom with carpet, a couch, and a coffee pot. We must stick to our God-gift, teaching, and do it well. This was such a great reminder!