It’s been an interesting week in the world of football. America watched as Peyton Manning chose to go to Denver, rather than Tennessee…or any other team. It was honestly disappointing, because I’m a Peyton fan, having watched him as a University of Tennessee player.
I felt sorry though, thinking of what it meant for current Tennessee Titans quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck. Reading THIS article in The Tennessean was difficult, because I felt his pain. Yes, he handled it with class (I understand he’s a committed believer), but he knows he was second choice in quarterbacks. As strong as he is as a Christian and man, I’m certain it still hurt. It may have hurt even worse for his family.
Here is an excerpt from the article:
“This is Peyton Manning,” Hasselbeck said Thursday.
“There were no guarantees I was going to be back,” he said. “If Peyton Manning had come to Tennessee, you know, I wouldn’t be playing for the Titans next year and that would’ve been unfortunate in my mind. My family and I have fallen in love with Nashville.
“But at the end of the day, I get it with the Peyton thing.”
I get it with the Peyton thing, also, Matt.
I get it, but it still hurts.
Have you ever been second choice?
The reality is Hasselbeck is still a good quarterback. In fact, of all the people in the world, Hasselbeck is a great quarterback. One of the best if you compare it in sheer numbers. Compare him to me (or you) and how good is he? Pretty good, huh?
But Hasselbeck is not Peyton.
And, guess what?
I understand.
I’m no Andy Stanley when it comes to preaching either.
I’m not Matt Chandler when it comes to dissecting a Bible passage.
I’m not John Maxwell when it comes to leadership.
Let’s be honest, if I ever write a really good post people think I stole it from Seth Godin.
The point I’m making is that in our system of comparison we may not measure up to someone else. There will always be someone who can do something better than we can do it.
We can even argue about who is “best”.
But, I’m not sure that’s the best method of comparison.
The good news for me is that God doesn’t measure like the world measures. (1 Samuel 16:7)
In the eyes of the world, I’m probably not an expert at anything.
In the eyes of God, I’m an expert at being me.
Be honest…
Have you been trying to be someone you’re not?
Twitter: KariScare
says:
yep, I have tried being something I am not. Led to being burned out, frustrated and generally unhappy. Being who I was created to be has brought peace, joy and simplicity. Amazing how that happens when one walks in the will of God. I like it here. Think I will stay.
Amen!
Ron, how do you differentiate between trying to learn from someone who's more experienced/mature/wiser than you, and trying to be someone you're not?
And I get it with being #2. I was not the first choice of my church as pastor—they offered the position to someone else first, and he turned it down. Strangely, I don't feel slighted by it. Although I do struggle occasionally with the "I'm not the pastor this church needs" mentality, especially when it comes to their lack of organization and my own ADD…
I sometimes wonder if the apostle Paul ever struggled with these sorts of thoughts. "Why did Christ call me as apostle when I didn't walk with Jesus in his lifetime as the others did?"
Twitter: eccle0412
says:
There are places for "standouts"and purposes for personal goals, but I believe John (the Baptist's) example was less of me. There can't be much of Christ if I am central. God created us to need each other.
You, Ron, are an inspiring blogger, clear and powerful.
Wow! Thank you!
Posts like this are why we are encouraged to see your name in our mailbox.
Thanks Mindi!
I thought I faced something similar in taking over for a founding pastor who passed away while still pastor, but the more I think about it, the more I see the difference. It must truly be a different type of difficulty to have a job, and yet at the same time your employers looking for someone better.
I agree Brad
True Ron! We are unique and matchless creations of our Lord. We are priceless and invaluable. Comparing with each other is only going to hurt us and not boost us.
I constantly remind myself that I need to compete with myself to become a better person. I always have the temptation to compare myself with other 'stalwarts'. But, I understood that it is not going to yield any benefit.
I like that concept Uma. Compete with myself.
And sometimes that's all our sphere of influence needs us to be… ourselves. I'm recovering from two mistakes I've made for years. 1) Not being myself, and 2) Not constantly bettering myself in all I do.
Yes. Good word.
It's good to be reminded of that sometimes. Thanks.
Thanks!
Thank you for this Ron. I spent way too many years trying to be somebody i wasn't. Preach like Swindoll. Lead like Maxwell. Then preach like MacArthur. I got tired of being around me and all my "buddies." The most freeing thing for me was when I came to my senses and realized God did not want a cheap knock-off version of anyone else. he wanted me to be me. Second or third place didn't matter. Don't always comment but do appreciate your posts.
Thanks my friend. I hope to see you at another conference soon.
The mindset you describe is what I'm trying to grow out of. Looking up to people becomes hero worship and then degenerates to self deprecation. The truth is, I'm just one guy in a long line of millions of men who have faithfully taught the Bible and led with integrity and never become world-renowned. When I really think about it, that's all I want.
Amen. Thanks Ben.