Too many artists (and even regular people) beat themselves up thinking they need to be like those around them. Maybe they have less skill, less charisma, less outward beauty, less money…whatever. It’s an easy trap to fall into – comparing yourself to others. But it’s foolish to do that. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others.
There was this king in the Bible – Saul. He had a subject named David. David was a very loyal warrior, and he fought for the king. He was such an amazing guy, he gained celebrity status. He was an incredible warrior, good looking, and a generally nice guy. (Plus he played a mean harp solo.)
But Saul started comparing himself to David. Here’s what it says in 1 Samuel 18:8-9 (NLT):
[Saul] said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
Isn’t that ridiculous. Saul killed thousands of people. He was an amazing warrior. But he wanted all the credit. He couldn’t stand someone being better than him.
But Saul was king. He didn’t need to be jealous of David. Saul was an even bigger celebrity than David – but he couldn’t see it because he compared himself – which is a very foolish thing to do. He neglected to see what he truly had – the whole kingdom! It wasn’t Saul’s role to kill people. He was the king. So why did he compare himself to David using that measure?
We need to stop looking to other people and see what God has given us as artists. God has given you gifts and talents that are incomparable to others’. Don’t measure yourself by the gifts and talents of others. Don’t worry about them.
God just might have given you a kingdom to rule. Embrace it!
Thank you so much for this post. I love this story and
comparing is detrimental to artists. It messes with God’s intention for us, throws us totally off course.
What I love also about this story is that I tend to assume that a king could not be envious for he is, after all, king. Not so!
Thank you so much for this post. I love this story and
comparing is detrimental to artists. It messes with God’s intention for us, throws us totally off course.
What I love also about this story is that I tend to assume that a king could not be envious for he is, after all, king. Not so!
Jonathan, how do I contact you? My husband (worship pastor) and I (the one who ends up doing his stage designing by default) just got back from CMS Northwest. I talked to Bruce (one of the two men that put on CMS Northwest about you. He’s interested in having you come to teach sessions next year since this topic is not covered at CMS NW. I told him that you are pioneering the teaching of this area of worship arts. He sounded very interested. He wants me to send him your website and your contact info but I wanted to check with you first. Thoughts?
Jonathan, how do I contact you? My husband (worship pastor) and I (the one who ends up doing his stage designing by default) just got back from CMS Northwest. I talked to Bruce (one of the two men that put on CMS Northwest about you. He’s interested in having you come to teach sessions next year since this topic is not covered at CMS NW. I told him that you are pioneering the teaching of this area of worship arts. He sounded very interested. He wants me to send him your website and your contact info but I wanted to check with you first. Thoughts?
definitely a good Word!!!
definitely a good Word!!!