Advancement in life is usually characterized by what you can see. You can see someone get married, you can see someone get promoted, you can see someone start a business, etc. 

I know comparison is a joy stealer and not a wise or pleasing thing to according to the bible. However, we are human and you and I both have done it at some point or are still struggling with it. That’s why it’s a blessing that we can ask forgiveness of the Father when we notice our shortcomings. 

But my message today isn’t about asking for forgiveness when we fall short, it’s about the advancement that takes place where there are no eyes. 

Recently, when I was in my comparison frenzy, I noticed all the things I listed off that were different between my life and another individual’s were things that could be seen and that quite obviously I didn’t have. Things such as a membership in a social club, children, a newly built home or the establishment of a non-profit. 

So I asked myself, “Where and how am I advancing and what do I have to show for it?” The question itself is fine to ask yourself, it’s a good way to begin self reflection, but I highly disliked that the question came about because of comparison. 

So I thought about it, ruled out the material things and found peace in this:

The most important advancement over the last 6 months to a year has been my spiritual advancement. The time I spent in private prayer, the decisions I made to fast, the drive to be closer to God and my craving for His word. All these things were done in private, without the eyes of the world.

So now that I identified my area of advancement, realizing it’s one of the best areas to be actively watering and improving, I still felt like I had nothing to show for it. The enemy was in my ear trying to convince me that in order for advancement to be real I have to “show” someone or it isn’t real. 

So instead of accepting that the though that spiritual advancement is invisible, I reminded myself that my “proof” is my fruit! Fruit can be seen. So with my spiritual advancement you can see that I am gentle in nature, kinder with my words, smile more because of my peace and have transformed in Christ. This type of fruit can’t be summed up in a single Instagram post because it’s a huge life shift that attracts blessings and kingdom advancement over worldly advancement.

I’ll even let you in on a game changer, pursue the kingdom of God and all its righteousness and all these things [material desires] will be added unto you.

So I say all that to say this, the world will dupe you into thinking that the best and only way to show progress in life is by getting, collecting and posting new items. Let your life be the proof that you are working, loving, living and walking unto the glory of God. After all, what does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul?

See you next week!