Comparison: The barrier to finding worth

We live in a culture that continually focuses on the outward appearance, popularity, money, and fame. We live in a culture of comparison. Most people greet each other with, "Wow, you look nice" or "I really like your outfit." The problem that comes is that comparing one person to another breeds an unhealthy value system. Students and even most adults struggle with their self-image. Insecure people find artificial security when they compare themselves to someone that makes them feel superior. Comparing oneself to another is a trap. Believers need to stand up and quit comparing based on the outward appearance. We need to encourage based upon their heart and character (2 Corinthians 5:12, 1 Samuel 16:7 Ephesians 2:10a).

We all want acceptance, belonging and people to love us. The desire we have for these feelings are only completely fulfilled in a close, personal relationship with Jesus.

Monday Minute

• Really enjoyed this past week - lots of good times and conversations.
• My brothers, Jeff and Justin are in Germany and I must concur with Napoleon Dynamite saying, "lucky!"
• Baptized a student on Sunday morning - Awesome story of God's redemption in her life!
• FSU lost. again. They played great against BYU and crumbled against USF! I'm still a fan of Bobby Bowden - He is one of the best coaches in college history and is man of God and character.
• My wife, Cassidy is a gator fan.  Saturday football games are always fun to watch in the Robinson house. I'm praying for her...She will see the light one day!
• Football and sports in general will not matter in eternity - Seeing people come to know Christ will matter!
• We saw "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs" and enjoyed it! It was a funny movie and we are always "geeked out" when we put on 3-D glasses.
• Beginning a new series this Wednesday night called, "Angry" -  Look forward to God moving in the hearts of the students
• Ready for the first hint of fall weather! I hear its supposed to get cooler here in SE Alabama this week.
• Stay tuned: I'll be posting some thoughts this week on my blog dealing with ministry and life.
• I love my wife!

Highlights of Student Ministry

God has been showing up lately at our weekly Wednesday night worship gathering! It has been encouraging to see  students bringing friends more and more each week. We celebrated the See You at the Pole rally last night with over 75 in attendance. It was a great time of worship with the "Flying Backwards" worship band. I challenged the students with 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - "Transformation leads to movement!" It was a great night of worship and encouragement. Seeing students praying at the altar together fuels the excitement I see for this generation to lead a movement of God.

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