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When We Feel Overshadowed

Glenn Blankenship
01/22/17 - Sunday

Romans 12: 17-18
"... Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all"

In general, we have the desire to do our best. Our best for others and in using our talents. We should try to recognize our talents and use them for God.
We must always be humble - sometimes we think better of ourselves than we ought and we then realize someone is better than us and it dampens our spirits. Sometimes that person is a sibling, sometimes it's a fellow Christian.
In John 1:38-41, Peter was the first apostle chosen by Jesus- he even received a special name, "Cephas". We can learn valuable lessons from his life and writings. But how did Peter learn of Christ? From his brother, Andrew. Andrew was one of the original twelve, handpicked by Christ, partaker in the gifts of signs and wonders. Andrew is mentioned 13 times in the Bible; Peter over 150 times. Under the assumption that Peter received more attention than Andrew, if you were Andrew, how would you feel?
Other people in the Bible were overshadowed by siblings, such as the siblings of Moses, Joseph, David. This happens throughout our life with family, coworkers, fellow Christians.
HOW DO WE HANDLE IT?
A) We should not get discouraged. This can affect our worship but we can't allow this to hinder us. We need to be ready when this happens to keep doing our part.
B) Be happy for those who get attention for their good works. Praise them, thank God for them spreading the gospel - not just for them but for the sake of Christ. We can be an encouragement to them. We should want them to be strong because iron sharpens iron - their strength can strengthen us.
C) It's not all about me. It's because God has blessed us that we are able to do these works.
* I Cor. 8 - Paul gave up the right to eat meat as it might be a stumbling block to others. He realized the meat was not the most important thing.
* I Cor. 6:1 - If you have a problem with another brother, try to work it out with him through the help of the church. Don't turn to secular courts. If it can't be settled, get over it and try to be at peace.
* John 13:35 "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." We don't want to bring reproach on God's church by our disharmony.
* Romans 12:5 "So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. " We all fit into this body if we are what we should be. We all have different roles and functions but we must be together to function properly. IT'S A GROUP EFFORT!
*We need to keep doing what we can do. Just because someone has this great talent does not mean we are allowed to hide our light and leave God's work to others we deem better than ourselves. It's great to want to be better, but we can't be discouraged if someone else does it better.

Andrew brought his brother to Christ. He brought a boy with fish and loaves that Christ used for a great miracle. He played his part. Others may be counting on us. You are of more value than the sparrows. God never diminishes our true efforts. Others might but often we really are our worst critic. We need to thank God for our abilities and keep working.