IF ONLY (fill in the blank), I WOULD BE A MUCH HAPPIER PERSON

SCRIPTURE:
"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you 
with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." 
(Jeremiah 31:3)

MEDITATION:
Growing up, can be a real challenge, 
especially when we compare ourselves to others.
Someone may be slender, wear the latest fashion trends, 
and have perfect hair.
They never have one hair out of place and they always make good grades.
They are well organized and keep their room clean.
They are graceful and walk in the style of royalty 
that reflects their beauty and grace.

On the other hand, someone else may be the complete opposite.
They are on the short side of tall, and the round side of slender.
Their family doesn’t have the finances 
to keep them dressed in the latest fashion trends.
Their hair is always a frizzy mess and is seldom combed.
Their grades are average and they hate cleaning their room.
They fumble and trip their way through life.
They never have feelings of royalty and are convinced 
that they are an embarrassment and disappointment to their parents.

Both have day dreams, but the inferior one 
often imitates the other in an effort to please their parents.
They hope that one day they will be worthy of their parents’ love 
and no longer be viewed as an embarrassing disappointment.

Sadly, it can take many years for one to view themselves as a beautiful 
person and stop living their lives with an attitude of, 
“If only I could be like the other person”. 
They have to eventually come to the realization that 
it’s not about changing clothes or hairstyles to become a beautiful person; 
it’s about having a beautiful heart that has been changed.
It is a daily process to set aside attempts to be someone else, 
and realize the need to become more like the Lord.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children” (Ephesians 5:1)

Many go through life imitating the wrong person. 
They need to change their focus and attention and concentrate on 
imitating the character traits of their heavenly Father, not another person. 
Focusing on, and striving to imitate our heavenly Father, 
is an important responsibility every believer in Christ has been given.

It's easy to look at other people 
and let them fashion our ideas of success and worth. 
When we see the exterior beauty of another person and take note of their 
success, we fall into the trap of wanting what they have, 
and wanting to be just like them. 
We delude ourselves into thinking that life would be better 
if only we could be like the other person, or people. 
The truth is, we will become beautiful people of godly influence 
when we put the scriptures into practice.
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

As difficult as it may be to swallow, we were not created to have the 
perfect exterior appearance or gain the world's attention; we were created 
to live a life worthy of our calling, and to reflect the beauty of our Lord 
Jesus Christ. 
As we do that, our lives will draw others to the saving knowledge of Christ. 
And that far outlasts any temporary striving to be like someone else.

ACTION:
As adults, we can continue striving to be like someone else, 
or the world’s definition of a beautiful person.
Are you pleased with yourself as God has made you, 
or are you striving to become someone else?
Be thankful that God has made you unique, 
and learn to be comfortable in your own skin.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for making me the person I am. Forgive me 
for becoming dissatisfied with who I am and for striving to be like someone 
else, or the world’s definition of who I should be. Help me to find my 
satisfaction and completeness in You. Help me to focus on reflecting You 
with my life. Renew my mind so I will strive to be more like Jesus, instead 
of someone else. I know that when I strive to be like Him, I will be more 
pleased with who I am, and become a better participant in Your ministry.”