The Opinion of Others

10.15.14

It’s lurking nearly everywhere: Never has there been an age or a time when people did not look for approval to others—except in the Garden.

Comparison is a struggle for all women as we glance over our shoulders at others’ looks, children, homes…virtually everything. And most often, it is a colossal waste of time.

It is a wonder that God has never made a duplicate human being. It’s that head-turning element of individuality, a source of infinite gratitude if we will welcome His design. Instead, too often we Xerox some version of each other onto ourselves. We rummage for security via the Joneses as if our intricately crafted uniqueness were a fluke, a heavenly “oops” of a brushstroke when God looked away for a moment.

Recently my daughter was relating to her dad and me about an abilities test she took. She has exceptional senses of smell and taste, as well as superb musical pitch. I had no idea! And now I wonder, what purposes does God have for these uniquenesses, that in combination with her other qualities, are hers alone—her abilities “fingerprint”? He does have a plan of infinite complexity, though it is far from its full revelation today.

In my own life, I have discovered that my love of history, art, vintage heirlooms, and the Bible have merged into a purpose I couldn’t possibly have envisioned even a decade ago. But for years I looked at other women, longing to be something I wasn’t, instead of trusting God’s timing for what He is doing now in me.

May this prayer be yours today and every day—that you may find contentment and peace in doing what God has created you alone to do, which is His good and perfect will.

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4 thoughts on “The Opinion of Others”

  1. Thank you for this post it is so really true we think of other people opinion and always afraid to do,say an go further in life with our taught’s and express our own feelings .thank you do have a bless weekend.

  2. Thank you for this much needed post that came at such a perfect time today!

    The Lord has been convicting me all day today that my “fear of man” in a specific situation has been far greater than my fear of Him. He couldn’t have used a more beautiful mouthpiece than you. I love all your posts, but this one especially hit home today. Thank you.

    1. Thank you, Katie! I apologize for the delay in responding to your comment but I am so thankful this was an encouragement to you! I hope you continue to seek to please Him in all that you do!

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