12 Rules for Life (Days 1-4)Sample

Day 4: Improve Your Own Game Instead of Playing Others'

Scripture: Galatians 6:4-5

"But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load."

Quote from Jordan Peterson: "Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today."

Oh, how easy it is to fall into the comparison trap, isn't it? Welcome to the world of social media and doom-scrolling. You look at someone else's life, achievements, and possessions, and suddenly, your life seems to pale in comparison. But friends, that's not what God has called us to do!

Take a good look at what Paul writes in Galatians 6:4-5. He’s urging us to focus on our walk, growth, and journey with the Lord. It's about improving your own game, not playing someone else's.

Consider the parable of the talents in Matthew 25.

Three servants were given talents, each according to their ability. The master didn't compare the one-talent servant to the five-talent servant. He expected each one to be faithful to what they had been given. The same principle applies today. God has given you unique gifts, talents, and abilities. He's not comparing you to your neighbor, your coworker, or your sibling. He's looking at what YOU are doing with what HE has given you.

So, as you reflect on this day, take time with the Holy Spirit and reflect on these questions:

• How often do you compare your life, achievements, and possessions with others? How does that make you feel?
• What are the unique gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given you? How can you focus on improving and growing in those areas?
• How can you shift your focus from what others are doing to what God calls you to do? What steps can you take to make that happen?

Improving your own game means focusing on your relationship with God and the path He has laid out for you. It means being faithful to what you've been given, not coveting what someone else has. It means growing, learning, and becoming more like Christ every day.

Affirmation: "Today, I choose to focus on my walk with God. I commit to growing, improving, and being faithful to what He has given me. I reject the temptation to compare myself to others and embrace the unique calling God has placed on my life."

Hey, let's be like those faithful servants in the parable of the talents. Let's take what God has given us, invest it, grow it, and use it for His glory. Improve your own game. Focus on your journey. Embrace the unique calling and purpose that God has placed on your life.

I'm praying for you and cheering you on. You've got this, and more importantly, God's got you.

I want to pray with you and for you right now:

Lord, I ask for your wisdom to come alive for everyone reading this. Holy Spirit, awaken their consciousness. If they need to repent of anything, please show them. I ask for you to help them see you differently. Humble them in the area they need most. Protect them, and their loved ones. Show them how great of a Dad that you are. I love you so much. Amen.

If any of this was impactful for you, please let me know. Feel free to email me or send a message on Instagram. If you feel God leading you to higher levels of spirituality, I’d love to challenge you and join my Spiritual Accountability Group, my email list, or look into 1-1 coaching. You can find more about it at anthonythompson.org