Shirley's Desk

“A Designer’s Original” Psalm 139:14

Subtopic: “Unwise Comparisons”
2 Corinthians 10:12

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It was Homecoming Night; January 1969 and I was excited! I was a senior at McDonough #35 High School and this was going to be my last Class Night, so I wanted everything to be as close to perfect as possible.

I had whom I felt was the perfect date, so I wanted to wear the perfect dress. This was going to be a night I will never forget. My mother gave me money to purchase a dress for this special occasion, but I decided to have one made instead. I decided on a Vogue Pattern of an A-Line Dress with Criss- Cross straps. The pattern suggested silver sequence on the straps and silver trim at the hem, but I opted to have the trim only on the straps.

I could hardly wait to get to the event’s location. I felt like the bell of the ball. Compliments regarding my dress seemed to be coming from everywhere, and then out of nowhere, someone appeared and said “Shirley, Nijah has on your dress.” I was in shock and disbelief. How could this be? The person took my hand and guided me over to the other side of the room where I stared in the face of the Junior wearing the same dress, same color, but with the trim at the hem.

She stared at me, and I stared at her, but we both remained silent. A wise person suggested that we remain on opposite ends of the room.

You see Sisters & Brothers, what I failed to realize is that though I had the dress made to my specification the pattern was available for anyone to purchase and copy. What was once a great original had become available for multiple duplication.

This is not true of you and me. We are a one-of-a-kind Designer’s Original created by the Master Designer. Psalm 139: 14 says, “We have been fearfully and wonderfully made.” That means every detail about you and me has been carefully thought out. There is no one on this earth who can create another just like you.

That’s why it’s foolish for us to compare ourselves to others. We can appreciate their gifts, talents, their intelligence, their physical abilities, or attractiveness but we are unwise to make comparisons.

Comparison will lead us down one of two roads: the road to pride or the road to intimidation.

An example of comparisons leading to pride is recorded in Luke 18: 9-14 (read), the story of the Pharisee and Tax Collector.

A comparison which led to intimidation is recorded in 1 Samuel 18: 7-9 (read), which is the story of David and King Saul. Although the comparison of David to Saul originated from others, the results were the same. Saul was intimidated and sought to kill David whom he saw as a threat. Saul should have been happy to have someone of David’s caliber part of his army but allowed jealousy to blind him to that fact.

The scriptures tell us we’ve been uniquely made by God; therefore, it is unwise to compare ourselves to others. Be the best you can be knowing there is no other person on this earth like you. You are a Designer’s Original.

Blessings!

Elder Shirley Freeman