Keanu Reeves is an actor best known as being Neo in ‘The Matrix’, Ted in the ‘Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure’ and more recently as Jon Wick. You may not be aware that he also is known for short messages or quotes, one of which is this:

Someone will always be prettier.

Someone will always be smarter.

Someone will always be younger.

But they will never be you.

I think this is really insightful, and worth pondering! It reminds me of what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth...

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

— 1 Cor 10:12 The NIV Bible

Keanu is agreeing with Paul! It’s not good or healthy to compare ourselves to others. Many years ago, I did a talk which was titled ‘Comparison the Killer’. The point of my message was exactly the same as Keanu and Paul: when you compare or measure yourself to other people, it’s not helpful and you deny the wonderfulness of you and the plan that God has for you and your life!

There is and only will be one you. That’s OK if you like yourself, but if, for whatever reason you struggle to accept who you are, then it can be a problem.

God can help. Prayer can help. There are skilled people who can help. Remember there is a loving God who made you as you, not a clone of anyone else but a unique individual.

Be kind to yourself. Embrace who you are and the adventure God has for you. Don’t compare yourself with others. Someone will always be what you are not, as Keanu says, but they will never be you.

Also, why not check out our live stream service every Sunday at 10:30am, simply go to www.hopebasingstoke.org/livestream

Stay safe

God bless

Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader