Keeping up with the Joneses
“Hi, you’re reached the Joneses. And, as you know, it’s hard to keep up with the Joneses, so if you leave your name, number, and a brief message, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.”
Throughout my childhood, that was the long-standing message on our family’s answering machine. The “brief messages” that were left on the answering machine often included comments on this ear-catching message. Totally a work of my mother. She frequently amused herself and garnered an endless supply of eyerolls from her children.
There are conflicting reports as to the origin of the phrase, Keeping up with the Joneses. Some attribute it to a comic strip in the early 1900s, others say if goes farther back into literature from the 1800s.
However it originated, this belief has long perpetuated our society, both individually and collectively. Comparison is natural. We all want to fit in to some extent. No one wants to be the outcast, especially not as a kiddo on the playground.
As adults, it’s not so different. We frequently “check ourselves” against those around us; we almost instantly start comparing our respective path to others. Should I be doing this? Or this? Should I buy this? Should my kid go to this school? Should I take this promotion at work? Should I say “no” to this opportunity? The list is endless.
We even do this within the church setting. Just like society, every church has its own culture, complete with an unwritten dress code. Do my Sunday morning clothes fit in? Are my children well behaved enough? Do I have enough Bible knowledge to share within my small group? Does my family look like everyone else?
Yet, when we look to the left or the right, we become distracted. We lose sight of our specific sphere of influence. We become more preoccupied with being like those around us than leaning in and cultivating our beautiful differences. Comparison also frequently leads to judgement in order to make ourselves feel more confident in our own life choices.
When we view differences only in terms of what divides us, we miss the God-given beauty within them. Individually, we can’t even begin to grasp the expansiveness of our Creator. It’s only within the body of believers, through embracing each other’s unique callings, giftings, and skills, can we even begin to remotely paint a glimpse of God in all of His splendor.
Can you see it? Have you caught glimpses of it? You weren’t created for someone else’s path. You were only created for your unique path. Living out your unique path brings your Father glory.
Beloved daughter, in what area of your path do you need to step more fully into? Be brave. Be bold.
Be free,
Lani
