No Awards? No Recognition? No Problem!

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Everyone loves awards and recognition, but what if we're putting too much value on the unimportant? Let's talk comparisons and dissatisfaction...

Did you know . . . it’s award season?

I know how could you miss it. Right?

Countless celebrities looking for their trophy and recognition. But the celebrities aren’t alone are they? We all want that “I’m better than you are” recognition. We’re always keeping score.

In our career. Our lifestyle. Our parenting. Then there’s our weight, wardrobe, and wrinkles. Our stuff. Our status. And don’t even get me started on our blogs. 

I try not to care, but I’m guilty too. I can feel just fine about my little corner of the blogging world until I go blog hopping and notice that you’re getting waaaay more shares and likes than I am. Or your comments go on forever. Or…

And what does it all lead to? Dissatisfaction! And let me tell you there is no joy in dissatisfaction.

Isn’t that where the enemy wants to keep us? Dissatisfied?

But that’s NOT where God wants us.

He created each of us for His plans and purposes.

[Tweet “God created the heavens and earth . . . everything and He decided He wanted one of you too.”]

Why? To bring Himself glory.

It’s really that simple. You and I are created to glorify God in ways that we alone are able to fulfill.

Why would we want to compare ourselves on a horizontal scale when God’s plans and purposes for us are limitless?

I’m so short-sighted. You too?

We’re short-sighted when we look at awards and recognition and forget about what’s happening in the spiritual realm behind the scenes.

God created the heavens and earth . . . everything, and He decided He wanted one of you too.

Have you heard of Edward Kimball?

A Sunday school teacher named Edward Kimball won a shoe store clerk to Jesus—his name was D.L. Moody.

D.L. Moody traveled to England and awakened the heart of a young pastor —F.B. Meyer.

F.B. Meyer became one of the great Bible expositors, came to the U.S.A. and preached on college campuses, and was used to convert a student to Christ—Wilbur Chapman.

Wilbur Chapman attended one of Moody’s meetings in Chicago and became D.L. Moody’s co-worker.

Wilbur Chapman employed an ex-baseball player as his assistant—Billy Sunday.

Billy Sunday became a great evangelist and preached in Charlotte, North Carolina, at a meeting organized by the Billy Sunday Layman’s Evangelistic Club (renamed Christian Business Men’s Committee or CBMC).

CBMC invited an evangelist to Charlotte; his name was Mordecai Ham.

Mordecai Ham preached in the tent meeting where Billy Graham was saved. (Billy Graham Org.)

And I can’t tell you how many people I know who have said their lives were changed by God at a Billy Graham Crusade.

Was Edward Kimball any less important to the kingdom than D.L.Moody, Billy Sunday, or Billy Graham? I don’t think so.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19

I want to stop caring about those earth bound treasures like awards and recognition. I want to stop giving away my joy at the altar of comparison. I want to stop looking at what and how you’re doing and ask God to use me however He chooses.

What do you think? Are you in?

I want to get up each day thankful with my heart and mind focused on the unique opportunities God has for me.

Things to do, prayers to pray, encouragement to give, hands to hold, shoulders to hug, praise and thanks to lift. Lives to touch. Unique moments that only I will have.

And you will have yours.

The more I’ve written today the more foolish I feel. Why in the world would I want to look for awards and recognition? Why do I waste my time and my joy on comparisons?

My Father is the God of the universe. I am loved by the King of kings and Lord of lords.

And so are you!

Paul said,

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise—Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8–9

What is true…

Whether or not you and I get thousands of fans and followers, trophies or treasures we are:

  • Loved by God – 1 John 4:10, John 3:16, 1 Chronicles 16, Ephesians 2:4–5
  • Precious to God – Psalm 72:14, Psalm 139:17
  • Uniquely Made by God – Psalm 139:14
  • Known by God- Luke 12:7, Psalm 139
  • Given a Purpose from God – Jeremiah 29:11,
  • Guided by the Spirit to Fulfill that Purpose – Psalm 16:7, Galatians 5:16
  • Redeemed by God – Psalm 103:4, Luke 1:68–69
  • Changed by God – Romans 2:29, Isaiah 29:16
  • Used by God – Ephesians 2:10, Acts 20:24

No awards? No recognition? No fame? No riches? No popularity? No problem. 

In fact, it’s perfect . . . because we are loved and precious. Uniquely made for something so much more important than applause. We are made for the divine purpose of God.

Today I’m praying for God to help me focus on His love and remember that His unique often unnoticed plans for me have a greater purpose than I can imagine. Will you join me?

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18 Comments

  1. Deb, I’ve played that comparison game in the past and am still tempted to do so from time to time, especially when it comes to book sales, reviews, blog followers, etc. But I know comparison is deadly to the soul, so I do turn to God and pray that He will help me stay focused on Him and His will for me.
    And who knows? Whether or not we have a million followers or just one – our words may have made all the difference in that life we touched.
    Blessings, Deb!

    1. I think there is a huge temptation to compare ourselves with others. It starts as children when we compare grades and popularity and continues into adulthood. I’m getting more deliberate in remembering I don’t know how God is using my efforts and that really is what’s most important. God’s blessings to you!

  2. So amazing!! We don’t need the praises of men when we have the love of God. We all need to remember that.

    1. It’s all about what’s most important isn’t it. Now to just keep my eyes focused on God and what He deems important. God bless you!

  3. Thanks, Deb, for this reminder today! My pastor, Adrian Rogers, shared that story on more than one occasion.

    Sometimes, it is hard to be the Edward Kimball, but aren’t’ we grateful for men like him!

    Encouraged by your words today~
    Blessings,
    Melanie

    1. Thanks,Melanie! Freedom from comparison and freedom to just love and serve . . . always the answers to peace and contentment. Blessings! BTW – What a blessing to have Adrian Rogers as your pastor.

  4. Hi Deb,
    I can relate to the struggle to be recognized for what I do, even though, I know it’s more important to store up treasures in heaven. It takes conscious effort to not compare what I’m doing with others. Storing up treasures in heaven is what matters in the end. May that be our focus always!

    Blessings!

    1. You’re right, Kim. Where we set our hearts changes what we think about. Praying to stay focused on God’s plans and purposes for me. Keeping that focus will help us from worrying about His plans for anyone else. Thanks so much for adding your thoughts to the conversation. God bless you.

  5. Unfortunately, the temptation is always there to compare ourselves with others. We often long for accolades and that pat on the back. But like you said, comparing ourselves to others leads to dissatisfaction. And how do we become satisfied? By remembering that the greatest recognition of all is to be known and loved by our Father. We are all winners with God!

    Blessings, Joan

    1. That is the greatest isn’t it. My Father loves me. He knows my needs and the needs of the people around me. Oh, to faithfully find all I need in Him alone. God bless you my friend!

  6. I heard my own thoughts as I read your post. So true.
    “Why do I waste my time and my joy on comparisons?” … love this … and WOW! That SumoMe plugin is NIFTY! (I don’t have one of those. I have the simple click to tweet. Hmmmm … See. I’m comparing even that!)

    1. Thank you, Dianne! Thanks for your encouragement on my sharing plugins too. SumoMe is pretty easy to work with, I think you’ll like it. No comparing problems there! 🙂 Blessings my friend!

  7. WIsdom is being content and staying focused. I appreciate your post, Deb.
    These are ungodly expectations. ..not easy, friend. These days I am struggling to even keep up. But it is one step at a time. .
    Thanks a million.

    1. I often wonder how many trophies are still valued years later. You’re right . . . it’s chasing ungodly expectations. Praying for strength for your steps. You are such a blessing to me my friend.

  8. I am so bad about comparing myself to others when it comes to the blogging world. I always want to have more folllowers or more fans than the next and I may never get there but I know God has called me to write for a purpose and I just have to keep following that dream.

    Your neighbor at coffee for your heart

    1. I know, MIranda. I can be going along just fine and then get side-tracked by the comparison game. And it’s never satisfying. Oh, to simply be happy for those who are doing well and encouraging to those who need a little help. That’s downright Biblical! 🙂 And that’s my goal. Thanks so much for visiting and stopping to say ‘hi.’ Blessings to you!

  9. Such a great reminder of how a life lived for Christ is filled with blessings that surpass any awards we will ever receive. Our ultimate reward is Heaven. Thanks for linking up with Literacy Musing Mondays,