Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

I am here to tell you—if you are using the talents and resources available to you, your VBS is pleasing to God. In Matthew 25:14–23, we find the parable of the talents. The servants who used what was entrusted to them were acclaimed at the time of accountability with the master’s words of praise, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; . . . enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).

We are all created special with different talents.

We are all created special with different talents. Here are some verses that show we are God-pleasing despite our “imperfections.”

Romans 12:6 reminds us, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.”

1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

And Isaiah 64:8 says, “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

These should remind us that everything should be different because we are all unique. If we are using the gifts God has given us, these verses emphasize that each VBS should be different. I reinforce this to every Bible lesson teacher I have. The Answers in Genesis VBS curriculum also speaks to this because so much biblical content is presented in different ways. You may not have a heart for a puppet skit, but that doesn't mean the “Apply It” portion won’t ignite your passion.

As you plan your VBS and search the internet, look for ideas to build upon, not imitate. An idea someone does may be the launching point for what you do. Let’s use serving a meal every evening at your VBS for families as an example. This is a wonderful tool for outreach. However, your church may not have the financial or volunteer resources to accomplish this. Maybe the idea of serving food really resonated with you, and you realize a meal is too big, so, instead, you offer a fun, themed snack for the families to enjoy as they pick up the children at night. If you see something you like but are discouraged that you can’t do it, maybe it is an opportunity for you to do something similar, yet different.

If we remember that God gave us different gifts, that should give us security with our plans, even if they drastically differ from what we see others do and what they have. Don’t let comparing the details of your VBS to others discourage you and take away from the joy of serving God and others. Be secure in who God made you to be and the resources he has given you to work with. And don’t let comparison steal your joy.