What's Your IQ?

There is an advertisement online that challenges us to a battle of IQ's against a celebrity. Picture an image of Simon Cowell with a "122" over his head (we're supposed to believe that's his IQ) and the question, "Think you're smarter?" I've never clicked the ad. I can take one look at the photo and give a yes or no, although that may be a bit shallow on my part. However, I can think of one reason I might take the challenge: Simon Cowell is a huge, international star. I am not, and for the sake of argument, say that bothers me. I'll feel better about myself if I take the test and somehow, my IQ is higher than his. He may be rich and famous, but at least I'm smarter. I can forever look at his photo and say (think in your best Simon accent), "You are horrrrrendous!"  

Why do we try to measure the intelligence and worth of those around us? Why do we compare? Why do we do whatever it takes to make ourselves look good? Why do we slip negative comments about others into conversation? There are many answers to these questions. We feel inferior. We are insecure. We put too much stock in other people's opinions. We feel threatened. We want to be better than everyone else. 

We miss the point of who we are in Christ when our worth resides outside of Him. Ephesians 1:4 states, 

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."

 He chose us to be forgiven through Christ so we can be holy and blameless in his sight. We will always find someone smarter or richer than ourselves but we will never find one who values us more than God.  We also miss the unique destiny He created for each of us.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

He values us, He has plans for us......why shouldn't He be our focus and why wouldn't we want to find our worth in the One who holds us in such high esteem?

Our worth in Christ and our destiny in Him is not lost due to our weaknesses. He accepts our weakness, but we point out each other's and find shame in our own.  The Lord said to Paul in Second Corinthians,

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

 His grace fills the gap of our imperfection. He can use us for His purpose not only in spite of our weaknesses, but because of them.  Society mocks weakness and finds fault, but even the most weak and faulty vessels can be filled with His light and used for His service. Second Corinthians 4:7 claims,

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

Do not be caught in the snare of "other people." The disappointment that awaits when we live our life in comparison to or guided by others is great. Go to the place where every IQ is high, every profession is worthy, and every weakness can be strength. It is in Christ. 

Happy weekend!