Michelle shares about how climbing a mountain helped her get over comparison.
Sport climbing routes are graded for difficulty on a 5-5.15 scale (Yosemite Decimal Scale). While it’s helpful to know the grade of a climb before doing it, these grades are highly subjective.
Saying, “I climbed a 5.10 route,” (rated as a hard difficulty level) does not mean the same thing if you are 5’6” versus 6’5”. Those with height may not have an issue reaching for a hold, while a shorter person may have to come up with multiple moves to reach that same hold.
My friend and I were climbing a cliffside in Colorado, challenging one another to climb a 5.10 route flawlessly. I am 5’6”, and my friend stood at 6’5”. We both had the same goal: to reach the top and not stop along the way.
Due to our unique characteristics of height, strength-to-weight ratio, perspectives on which rock holds and movements are best, endurance, flexibility, etc., we both reached the top of the cliff with different methods.
In the sections I found easy with flexibility, he strategically placed his hands and feet at different rock holds using his height advantage. In the sections he found easy, I had to add a couple more moves to cover the height gap.
While this could have been an opportunity for comparison, it became a moment for celebration. We both climbed the mountain according to the unique design of our own bodies. My friend couldn’t have climbed like I did, and I couldn’t have climbed like he did. Yet, we both made it to the top. We both finished the race.
We both climbed the mountain according to the unique design of our own bodies.
You Are Unique For A Purpose
How does this relate to blessing others and God?
1 Peter 4:10-11 tell us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
No two climbers have the same COMBINATION of height, strength, flexibility, and logistical creativity of mind. Each climber may reach the top but with differing perspectives on how to conquer the obstacles.
Just as we use our unique physical bodies and minds to make choices during a climb, we use the unique gifts and talents God has given us to navigate life and bless others.
There is no other you on this planet, not another person with the same COMBINATION of gifts, abilities, talents, career background, family history, and salvation story. Everyone has a different learning style and everyone has a different way of receiving. Your unique combination of traits enables you to give more effectively to those that others cannot reach.
Our goal as Christians is to bring others to Christ. Someone needs to hear the story of salvation that can only come from someone like you with your unique background and talents. God has placed you strategically where He wants you. He has given you all you need to reach others in such a unique way. Take care of your corner of the world. There are those in darkness that only YOUR light can reach.
Some examples are below:
– An automotive technician who rock climbs can reach out to his coworker who is interested in rock climbing but does not know Christ yet.
– A worship leader with a history of drug addiction can reach those in the congregation struggling with addiction.
– A coffee barista with a talent for apologetics can provoke curiosity about Christ in those they serve and work with.
We use the unique gifts and talents God has given us to navigate life and bless others.
How Did God Make You?
Remember:
1. Comparing yourself to someone else AND being fair is not possible.
You were given different gifts, talents, perspectives, intellect, creativity, physical ability, etc. All those things combined make you so unique it would be unwise to compare.
2. God placed you in a unique position in the world (career, family, friend group, church, geographical location, etc.).
Just as you receive uniquely from others, others are waiting to receive from you. My therapist once said, “It would be a shame for the world to be deprived of you.” And she is right. Someone out there needs to hear from me. Needs to hear from you. We are beacons of light. Bring the light in your unique way.
3. You bless God when you abide in Him and be who He has called you to be. Recognize the beauty God has placed in you. No one else has the same life resume as you. Your resume has all the combination of things on it that are specific to you (likes to cook, thinks outside the box, knows how to comfort, has a heart for children, understands how to lead a Fortune 500 company, prays for the country, survived heart disease, etc.).
The God of the universe is infinite. He is the ultimate creative Creator. He never runs out of creativity. Everything and everyone He makes is unique. Do not think for a second that you are not unique or that you do not have something special to offer others. You DO! And it can ONLY come from YOU.
Michelle Klein is a RevWild Instructor (Squad 004). She lives in central Illinois with her husband of 7 years. She loves traveling and being active in God’s wilderness. She is passionate
about sharing the gospel with those outside the church body so they can have an opportunity to hear of
His goodness.
Become An Outdoor Leader
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or you simply want to learn how to experience the presence of God in the wilderness, Revelation Wellness Outdoor Leadership Training (RevWild) will equip you to use the adventure of the outdoors to facilitate community experiences centered around loving God, getting healthy, being whole, and loving others.
