Lenten Devotional: The Good Life-Giver
When I was in my early twenties, I decided to pursue my dream of singing and songwriting. I wanted to write and perform songs that would inspire and bring light to dark places.
It was a frightening and exciting time for a young girl at the prime of her life. As I pursued this dream, more and more opportunities opened up.
I auditioned in front of industry executives, producers, and directors.
I auditioned for several talent agencies and singing competitions.
I auditioned and hired on a talent manager who asked me to relocate to Atlanta.
And things were looking really great for what I felt God had called me to do.
Yet as I auditioned, I realized there were thousands of other singers, actors, models, and talented folk who wanted the same exact gigs I wanted.
So what did this silly little 22-year-old do?
I got jealous, and I started playing the comparison game.
Well, I was able to get x number of callbacks, and she didn’t get as many… so maybe that’s a sign I’m going to make it!
Ugh. I can’t believe he got in. He doesn’t seem as talented as the others.
I could continue to list the haughty and judgmental words that crossed my mind, but I won’t.
It was clear that the state of my heart was heavy, impure, and fleshy.
I cared more about “behaving in a human way” as Paul describes it in 1 Corinthians 3:2, and I constantly struggled with “jealousy and strife.”
I did, thankfully, hit a turning point as I continued my journey.
Through the Holy Spirit, I realized that if my deepest intentions and motivations were to bring glory to God and build his Kingdom, I shouldn’t be competing with fellow brothers and sisters.
Instead, I should be cheering them on, encouraging them, and supporting them in their Kingdom dreams as well.
As I continued to sing and pursue my personal dream, I was reminded of how big and faithful God is. And if I wanted my Father in heaven to be pleased and fully worshiped as He deserves, I needed to get as many people as possible to be sold-out for the Kingdom.
In I Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of a garden and describes each follower of Jesus’ actions as one necessary responsibility in helping plants grow. Yet in spite of all this, there is only one Person who “makes things grow.”
He writes, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (I Corinthians 3:6–9)
Our present day can be much like the Corinthian church. People are often split over taking sides based on differing perspectives, pursuing fleshly ambitions, and the current state of the church is divided.
That’s why Paul’s message is so helpful for us in this divided Church.
That’s why his message is so convicting for a fleshly and divided heart like mine.
We may be planting and watering in our households, jobs, and communities, but no matter how much we try to plant seeds and water them, there’s only one Good Life-Giver.
God is the one who makes all good things grow.
What are you planting and watering today? Who’s giving it life? Is it your own effort and talents? Or is it the one, true Life-Giver?
Pray this prayer with me:
Father God,
Thank you for the Spirit with which you gave me breath and life. Forgive me for the ways that I have competed and compared myself with others in our family, Lord. Help me to understand that no one else deserves accolades and or glory aside from You. Be magnified in the work I get to do for your Kingdom each day.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
