As a math teacher comparison is important to me. One of the most important concepts that I strive for my students to obtain is a solid grasp on comparison. I teach finding and using unit rates to figure out which product is the better deal. My 7th graders must be able to convert numeric values to the same form so that they can compare and order those values from least to greatest. Being able to compute tax and discount in order to find the best possible bargain on the same item is another important math concept that uses comparison. These types of comparisons are good. Who wouldn't want to be a smart shopper and save money, especially with the economy of today? However, I am learning that comparison needs to stay in the math class with numbers and not in mind and heart to compare myself against others.
Over the course of my life, I have carried around insecurities about myself. The biggest insecurity of all, has been my weight. I have struggled with it since I was in kindergarten. I grew up being picked on as a child. Even now, as an adult, many people treat me differently because of it before they even get to know me on the inside. On top of that, I am shy and secluded by nature until I really feel comfortable with someone. I am more than a little awkward and corky. I am a serious minded perfectionist that has a dry sense of humor. I am OCD when it comes to organization. I am so clumsy that I can trip over my own two feet and fall up the stairs. I am super emotional, take everything to heart, and cry at the drop of a dime. I never seem to have the right thing to say, even if I have a wonderful heart and purpose in my words. I could keep going, but I think that you get the point.
Everyone has their own insecurities. I have come to find that focusing on my own insecurities is a black hole directly from Satan that does nothing more that take away my time, energy, and worst of all--MY JOY! Christ came that I might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). He commands that I rejoice always and have joy in Him (Philippians 4:4). Focusing on the insecurities of who or what we are not leads in one of two directions. The first is that it will cause us to compare ourselves to others in a way that puts ourselves down and lifts others up. The second is that it will cause us to compare ourselves to others in a way that will put others down in order to pridefully lift ourselves up. Either way, we put down the creation of Almighty God that He fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Also, our focus becomes ourselves and NOT GOD! We should look to Him as He is the author and the finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
So how can I and others overcome insecurities? 1) Focus on Christ 2) Celebrate and embrace who He created us to be. He does not make mistakes. We are created the way we are for a reason and purpose. We each have different personalities, gifts, and experiences in order to complete with His help the work that He designed for us to do.
Mathematically speaking: Praising God for how He made me PLUS trusting God with His plan for my life MINUS complaining and coveting what I am not EQUALS greater contentment, joy, and purpose in ministry.
This idea is a major work in progress but...Thank You, Father for making me ME!
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