I just returned from the women in ministry conference, Conversations 10, which took place in Dallas, Texas.  I was blessed to hear many of the teachings God has given me for Uniquely His being confirmed or spoken.  Rev. Crystal Martin proclaimed that “being confident in who you are keeps you from falling into the comparison trap and allows you to call out the greatness in others.”  I wanted to jump up and yell, “Amen, sister, preach it!”   Unfortunately, the tradition of saying “amen” has fallen by the wayside but I yelled it anyway while jumping up and down inside.  Rev. Martin shared the story of Mary and Elizabeth in Luke 1:30-45   When Elizabeth heard Mary’s news about being pregnant with the Messiah,  she  didn’t question Mary about really hearing from God.  She didn’t chide her about being pregnant out of wedlock.  She didn’t do what so many women today do out of their insecurities — minimize or criticize.  Elizabeth who had been barren herself for most of her adult life was finally pregnant.  This great news was quickly over shadowed by Mary’s  news of the immaculate conception.  She didn’t try to get ego food by one upping Mary.  Instead,  Elizabeth immediately expressed genuine joy at the news. It takes a secure, confident woman to call out the greatness in others and bless them. 

Just how does one become secure and confident in who they are? 

First, quit looking to others to define who you are or give you value.  Our value doesn’t come from what others think or say.  Our value comes from being an original design stamped with the image of Christ, redeemed by His blood and empowered by His Spirit.  

Second, quit comparing yourself with others.  You are uniquely his, one of a kind, an original which means you are distinct, matchless, rare, exceptional and incomparable.  Paul tells us in Galatians 5:26  “That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.”  When we compare ourselves with others we are taking the bait of Satan which ensnares us in the comparison trap. 

Third, find out who you are by knowing God, your Father and creator.  Don’t just know about him but experience Him.  Romans 12:3b from The Message reminds us, “The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.”  

Fourth, accept your place in the body of Christ with your personality and gifts.  Your design, interests, desires, gifts and talents are all indications of who you are and your purpose.   We all have a unique design and combination of personalities, gifts, talents and passions for a unique purpose and place in the body of Christ.  (Read Romans 12:4-6 The Message)

Once we know and accept who we are we are not threatened by others strengths or abilities.  We rejoice in them and are able to support and encourage others to be all God has designed them to be.