Latest / Marriage Life and More and Bible Study / Unqualified - You Can't Hide from Oprah, Pt 11 - 192

Transcript

Unqualified - You Can't Hide from Oprah, Pt 11 - 192 · Marriage Life and More and Bible Study

• 0:04
  Daniel Moore: God wants you to discover the freedom of simply being yourself, of living beyond comparisons, of finding your identity and security not in how you stack up against those around you, but in your relationship with Him.
• 0:16
  Daniel Moore: Comparison inevitably leads to competition because when individuals constantly compare themselves to others, they begin to feel a sense of inadequacy or superiority.
• 0:27
  Daniel Moore: Based on these comparisons, they can create a desire to outdo or compete those that they are comparing themselves to, leading to animosity, jealousy and manipulation.
• 0:38
  Daniel Moore: This week, on Connecting the Gap, we continue our study on Unqualified as we get into episode 11 of this 12-part series, and we'll be back right after this.
• 1:21
  Daniel Moore: Welcome back to Connecting the Gap.
• 1:27
  Daniel Moore: It's time for another episode here in the September 2024.
• 1:31
  Daniel Moore: Hard to believe that we're already into this part of the year.
• 1:35
  Daniel Moore: 2024 is rapidly closing up.
• 1:38
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore, your host for this podcast.
• 1:40
  Daniel Moore: Thanks for joining us this week.
• 1:41
  Daniel Moore: If you're not familiar with our show, you can check out our website at wwwconnectingthegapnet, and there you'll find all of our platforms.
• 1:48
  Daniel Moore: Also, we're on YouTube and our Rumble links are there as well.
• 1:52
  Daniel Moore: You can also visit us on social at facebookcom, forward slash, ctgaponline, and if you're a fan of our show, please subscribe and feel free to leave a comment on our platforms and give us a thumbs up or a five-star review on Apple Podcast.
• 2:07
  Daniel Moore: Also there on our website, you can check out these transcripts for every episode in this series and the couple of longer series that we've had here in the last year.
• 2:17
  Daniel Moore: All of those are there.
• 2:18
  Daniel Moore: Also, we have a merch store and a bookstore and much more.
• 2:23
  Daniel Moore: So go check out our website today at wwwconnectingthegapnet.
• 2:30
  Daniel Moore: Well, as I said, we're in episode 11.
• 2:32
  Daniel Moore: I have one more week left of this series on Unqualified.
• 2:36
  Daniel Moore: This week we're going to be talking about you Can't hide from Oprah my wife loves Pinterest.
• 2:59
  Daniel Moore: You know I'm not really so much of a fan For those of you that have been living in a bubble all of your life and don't know what Pinterest is.
• 3:07
  Daniel Moore: It is a social media app and website where you can log in and see pictures and recipes and DIY projects that other people have shared, and it gives you all these ideas of how to spend your hard-earned money and gives your wife all these ideas of how you can spend your weekend remodeling your bedroom.
• 3:25
  Daniel Moore: Wikipedia defines Pinterest as an American image sharing and social media service designed to enable saving and discovery of information, specifically, ideas like recipes, home style, motivation and inspiration on the internet using images and, on a smaller scale, animated gifs and videos in the form of pin boards.
• 3:49
  Daniel Moore: One more interesting tidbit about Pinterest is it was created by three dudes.
• 3:55
  Daniel Moore: You know, I'm not really sure what they were thinking, and when they came up with that idea they must have been single.
• 4:02
  Daniel Moore: They definitely lost their man card.
• 4:04
  Daniel Moore: Well, here's an alternate definition that may or may not have been written by me Pinterest is a social media platform that, for seven days a week, 24 hours a day, guarantees to remind you that the meals you make are horrible.
• 4:20
  Daniel Moore: Your lives are not nearly as fun and adventurous as everyone else's.
• 4:24
  Daniel Moore: The pictures you take are bland and, in essence, completely boring.
• 4:28
  Daniel Moore: You and your kids look like you still dress in the 70s.
• 4:32
  Daniel Moore: Your house looks like you let your 90-year-old grandma decorate it.
• 4:36
  Daniel Moore: You did an awful job at planning your wedding and, in all reality, your existence in this world is really just mediocre at best, while everyone else has awesome, well-dressed kids and their everyday life is totally awesome.
• 4:58
  Daniel Moore: Well, did you hear me say it before?
• 5:00
  Daniel Moore: I tend to have a problem with Pinterest.
• 5:01
  Daniel Moore: It's not that I'm against social media at all.
• 5:03
  Daniel Moore: I use it every day.
• 5:07
  Daniel Moore: Social media is just a tool and the results it generates reflect the intention of the user, and well, that can be a real problem.
• 5:16
  Daniel Moore: Why is that?
• 5:18
  Daniel Moore: Because, as humans, we tend to compare ourselves to other people way too much, and that can be a huge problem.
• 5:28
  Daniel Moore: The problem I have with Pinterest is it's a place where it generates a place for people to compare themselves, where people post all their perfection for all to see.
• 5:37
  Daniel Moore: It's the mindset that Pinterest helps to create, but it's often an incomplete story.
• 5:43
  Daniel Moore: Helps to create, but it's often an incomplete story.
• 5:48
  Daniel Moore: So we compare our underwhelming life to their perfect, filtered, staged crop photos and we end up feeling terrible about ourselves, or we upload our own manufactured reality in an effort to project a perfection that we will never achieve.
• 6:01
  Daniel Moore: You know, I googled and found craft fails and pen tester, where people have posted their attempts at duplicating something perfect on Pinterest and it failed.
• 6:11
  Daniel Moore: I found a sense of peace as I looked through the results, as mere mortals would attempt to recreate the things on Pinterest and failed.
• 6:20
  Daniel Moore: The results of some of them were hilarious.
• 6:23
  Daniel Moore: Actually, it was refreshing to know that there was still hope for the rest of us.
• 6:30
  Daniel Moore: You know, maybe you aren't a Pinterest user.
• 6:32
  Daniel Moore: Maybe for you it's HGTV or Food Network, maybe it's Facebook or X, Maybe it's your pastor or neighbor that is super fit, or the soccer mom that always looks perfect at the soccer park on any given day of the week, no matter what time of the day it is.
• 6:50
  Daniel Moore: You look at them and you wonder why you can't have it all together and measure up to their level of abilities and perfection.
• 6:58
  Daniel Moore: Obviously, with these multiple examples, the problem with comparison isn't limited to one particular platform.
• 7:06
  Daniel Moore: It's actually a mindset.
• 7:09
  Daniel Moore: The only problem with Pinterest or HGTV is the problem inside of us.
• 7:15
  Daniel Moore: It's the perfect platform for us to have the tendency to perform, to pose and to pretend, all in an effort to lift up our low self-esteem.
• 7:26
  Daniel Moore: This mindset has to stop and Jacob's life teaches us why.
• 7:32
  Daniel Moore: To recap where we've been, jacob's life showcases some not-so-great tendencies and lifestyles of pretending, manipulating and deceiving.
• 7:42
  Daniel Moore: The other item in this list of issues is comparing.
• 7:48
  Daniel Moore: Basing our self-worth on external factors such as social media representations, comparisons to others and manipulated perceptions can have negative consequences.
• 7:57
  Daniel Moore: By pretending to be someone, we are not manipulating our image to fit an idealized version of ourselves and constantly comparing ourselves to others.
• 8:05
  Daniel Moore: We are not manipulating our image to fit an idealized version of ourselves and constantly comparing ourselves to others, we are not truly accepting and embracing who we are.
• 8:10
  Daniel Moore: This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity and unhappiness.
• 8:15
  Daniel Moore: When we do not know or accept ourselves for who we truly are, including our imperfections, we may struggle to find genuine self-worth and fulfillment.
• 8:26
  Daniel Moore: By placing our value in external factors and not in our own inherent worth, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment and dissatisfaction.
• 8:34
  Daniel Moore: By not allowing God's grace to be the qualifier of our worth, we may miss out on experiencing the unconditional love and acceptance that comes from knowing that we are valued and loved by Him.
• 8:46
  Daniel Moore: Jacob was pretty much doomed to be a victim of comparison.
• 8:50
  Daniel Moore: From the day he was born.
• 8:53
  Daniel Moore: Jacob and Esau's lives were marked by comparison and contrast.
• 8:56
  Daniel Moore: From the moment they were born as twins, they were judged, loved or rejected based on how they measured up to each other, rather than being valued for their individual qualities and strengths.
• 9:08
  Daniel Moore: This constant comparison and competition likely contributed to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of true self-acceptance for both brothers.
• 9:17
  Daniel Moore: I'm sure you probably have known, or do know, someone that is a twin.
• 9:22
  Daniel Moore: If you interrogate them about their life as a twin and if they loved or hated it many times, the story is the same.
• 9:30
  Daniel Moore: They seem to never have their own identity, as they were always recognized in public as the twins, instead of by their real names.
• 9:39
  Daniel Moore: They share everything clothes, bedrooms, friends, all the way from sharing the womb.
• 9:45
  Daniel Moore: One was always taller or prettier or smarter, faster or skinnier.
• 9:52
  Daniel Moore: Comparison and competition weren't just a tendency.
• 9:54
  Daniel Moore: They were a way of life.
• 9:56
  Daniel Moore: The story of Jacob and Esau serves as a powerful illustration of the damaging effects of comparison and competition is a powerful illustration of the damaging effects of comparison and competition.
• 10:09
  Daniel Moore: This dynamic is not limited to siblings or twins.
• 10:10
  Daniel Moore: It is a pervasive aspect of our culture that affects us all.
• 10:14
  Daniel Moore: In today's society, comparisons and contrasts are ingrained in our daily lives.
• 10:19
  Daniel Moore: We are constantly bombarded with rankings, standings and measures of success that fuel a culture of comparison and competitiveness.
• 10:28
  Daniel Moore: We are often encouraged to strive for perfection and to measure our worth based on how we stack up against others.
• 10:36
  Daniel Moore: This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, pressure to meet unrealistic standards and a constant sense of never being good enough.
• 10:44
  Daniel Moore: Pressure to meet unrealistic standards and a constant sense of never being good enough.
• 10:47
  Daniel Moore: Just as Jacob was defined by how he measured up to his brother Esau, many of us may feel that our worth is determined by our ability to exceed or match the achievements of those around us.
• 10:56
  Daniel Moore: The relentless pursuit of comparison-driven success can be exhausting and demoralizing.
• 11:03
  Daniel Moore: We may find ourselves constantly chasing after shifting targets, always feeling like we are falling short or never quite measuring up.
• 11:12
  Daniel Moore: This perpetuates a cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction that can have a huge impact on our mental stability.
• 11:22
  Daniel Moore: Cs Lewis addressed this issue when he said that we don't actually take pride in the possession itself, but in having more of it than someone else.
• 11:31
  Daniel Moore: It's not enough to be physically fit, we have to be more physically fit.
• 11:36
  Daniel Moore: It's not enough to be pretty, we have to be gorgeous.
• 11:41
  Daniel Moore: It's not enough to be tough or smart, we have to be tougher or smarter.
• 11:46
  Daniel Moore: We have to be richer, smarter and more accomplished, and that is a huge problem.
• 11:52
  Daniel Moore: Anytime our third words are comparisons, anytime they start with more or end in the suffix er.
• 12:00
  Daniel Moore: Alarms and flashing lights should be going off in our heads.
• 12:04
  Daniel Moore: Examples I am smarter, I am prettier, I am more successful, I am more important, I am more spiritual.
• 12:16
  Daniel Moore: Those aren't the kinds of words that we need.
• 12:18
  Daniel Moore: Since when did becoming richer, prettier or more important become confirmation of our success?
• 12:24
  Daniel Moore: To becoming richer, prettier or more important become confirmation of our success.
• 12:31
  Daniel Moore: Using comparison as a means to define our value is inherently insecure because it places our self-worth and identity in the hands of external and ever-changing criteria.
• 12:37
  Daniel Moore: When we constantly evaluate and rate ourselves based on others, we are essentially outsourcing our sense of worth to external sources, rather than cultivating a deep and authentic understanding of our own inherent value.
• 12:49
  Daniel Moore: Frequently, our self-worth is tied to how we stack up against others in the world.
• 12:55
  Daniel Moore: This can lead to a range of unhealthy behaviors, such as comparing ourselves to those who are less accomplished in order to feel superior, or comparing ourselves to those who are more successful in order to feel feelings of inadequacy or self-pity.
• 13:09
  Daniel Moore: When we compare ourselves to those whom we believe are worse than us, it can lead to complacency and a false sense of self-satisfaction.
• 13:18
  Daniel Moore: We may mistakenly believe that we have quote-unquote unquote arrived in a certain area and see striving for growth and self-improvement, potentially missing out on fulfilling our true potential.
• 13:30
  Daniel Moore: Maybe God has called us to do more.
• 13:33
  Daniel Moore: Maybe he has given us a greater capacity.
• 13:37
  Daniel Moore: On the other hand, comparing ourselves to those who we perceive as quote-unquote better can result in feelings of condemnation and insecurity.
• 13:46
  Daniel Moore: We may feel discouraged and unworthy, even if God is content with where we are in our journey.
• 13:53
  Daniel Moore: This focus on external benchmarks of success can obscure the unique gifts, talents and purpose that each individual possesses.
• 14:04
  Daniel Moore: There was a guy that would take a three-week vacation and go out on his boat with his wife for those three weeks.
• 14:09
  Daniel Moore: I mean, to me that sounds like hell.
• 14:13
  Daniel Moore: I mean not the wife part, I'm talking about the three weeks on the boat part.
• 14:17
  Daniel Moore: That just isn't my cup of tea.
• 14:19
  Daniel Moore: This guy loved it, though he was remembered to have made a statement one day about it, though.
• 14:25
  Daniel Moore: He said you know, I start out thinking how blessed I am to have three weeks off and I get to spend it all on my charming little boat with my wife, but without fail, about a few days into the trip I'll come across someone with a bigger boat, and even their lifeboat puts my boat to shame.
• 14:44
  Daniel Moore: Then I find out they don't have to take off work because they don't have to work another day of their lives.
• 14:50
  Daniel Moore: You know, one of the last lines in that statement struck me I'll come across someone with a bigger boat.
• 14:57
  Daniel Moore: Now you may be thinking that this is hashtag rich people problems, but I'm just using that as an example to illustrate that, no matter how much more you get, there is always someone with more to trump your more.
• 15:11
  Daniel Moore: On the flip side, no matter how bad you have it, there are always millions out there having it worse than you are.
• 15:18
  Daniel Moore: There is someone out there that would give anything to be in the position you are with your strengths.
• 15:25
  Daniel Moore: Someone out there somewhere is praying to have your quote-unquote problems.
• 15:31
  Daniel Moore: Comparison is a silent killer, as it has the power to steal your joy, undermine our relationships and foster feelings of inadequacy and resentment.
• 15:41
  Daniel Moore: When we constantly compare ourselves to others, we may find ourselves criticizing our own accomplishments, rejecting opportunities for growth and learning, and resenting ideas or paths that could lead to personal growth and fulfillment, and resenting ideas or paths that could lead to personal growth and fulfillment Instead of celebrating our own successes and unique qualities.
• 16:00
  Daniel Moore: Comparison can lead us to diminish our achievements and, worse than the shadow of others, it can erode our self-confidence and hinder our ability to appreciate our own journey and experiences.
• 16:16
  Daniel Moore: God's view of us is not contingent on how we measure up to others.
• 16:20
  Daniel Moore: He does not use the failures of others to bolster our self-esteem or tie our worth to the performances of those around us.
• 16:25
  Daniel Moore: God's perspective on us is rooted in His divine vision for our lives.
• 16:31
  Daniel Moore: He knows us intimately, understands our capabilities and values us unconditionally, just as we are.
• 16:38
  Daniel Moore: God has entrusted each of us with unique talents, gifts that are meant to be cultivated and shared with the world.
• 16:46
  Daniel Moore: Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we are called to focus on how we can use our talents to make a positive impact and bring about God's vision for our lives.
• 16:57
  Daniel Moore: The culture of comparison is not unique to the Pinterest age.
• 17:01
  Daniel Moore: It's been around thousands of years.
• 17:04
  Daniel Moore: It's a natural result of human insecurity and pride.
• 17:08
  Daniel Moore: In 2 Corinthians 10-12, paul says For we do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves, but when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense.
• 17:24
  Daniel Moore: In this passage, paul is addressing the issue of comparison and competition.
• 17:29
  Daniel Moore: Within the church in Corinth, some individuals were boasting and trying to elevate themselves above others, causing division and discord within the community.
• 17:39
  Daniel Moore: Paul is cautioning against this behavior, reminding the Corinthians that true worth is not found in comparing oneself to others or seeking validation from others.
• 17:49
  Daniel Moore: Instead, he emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing that true value comes from God.
• 17:56
  Daniel Moore: This verse illustrates that the culture of comparison and competition is not unique to the modern Pinterest age.
• 18:04
  Daniel Moore: Even in Paul's time, people struggled with the tendency to measure themselves against one another and seek validation through comparison.
• 18:12
  Daniel Moore: Paul's message to the Corinthians remains relevant today, reminding us to focus on our own growth and relationship with God rather than being consumed by comparison and competition.
• 18:27
  Daniel Moore: How do you define success?
• 18:29
  Daniel Moore: How do you know when you are qualified?
• 18:32
  Daniel Moore: Do you take pride and pleasure in simply being you, in becoming the person that God has made you to be, or are you constantly comparing yourself to someone in your life, or maybe to everyone in your life?
• 18:47
  Daniel Moore: How do you respond when people around you find success?
• 18:51
  Daniel Moore: Do you congratulate them and celebrate them with a sincere heart, or do you secretly suspect their accomplishments are proof of your inadequacy?
• 19:02
  Daniel Moore: You know God wants you to discover the freedom of simply being yourself, of living beyond comparisons, of finding your identity and security, not in how you stack up against those around you, but in your relationship with Him.
• 19:22
  Daniel Moore: Comparison inevitably leads to competition, because when the individuals constantly compare themselves to others, they begin to feel a sense of inadequacy or superiority based on these comparisons.
• 19:29
  Daniel Moore: This can create a desire to outdo or compete with those they are comparing themselves to, leading to animosity, jealousy and manipulation.
• 19:39
  Daniel Moore: The story of Jacob and Esau is a clear illustration of how comparison and competition can destroy relationships.
• 19:47
  Daniel Moore: Jacob's constant comparison of himself to his brother, esau, led to manipulation and deceit in order to secure his own advantage.
• 19:55
  Daniel Moore: Jacob's actions ultimately resulted in a strained relationship with his brother and his uncle, laban.
• 20:03
  Daniel Moore: Jacob found himself caught in the middle of this competition, constantly trying to prove himself and gain the upper hand.
• 20:10
  Daniel Moore: The night the angel found him, he was vulnerable and alone as he faced the repercussions of his deceit.
• 20:19
  Daniel Moore: That's what a life of competition invariably produces.
• 20:24
  Daniel Moore: We're going to take a break here for a moment.
• 20:27
  Daniel Moore: When we come back, we're going to continue and finish up this week's episode of Connecting the Gap, and we'll be back right after this you can't tell on the outside, but most of us are green with envy on the inside.
• 20:48
  chataboutjesus.com: Many of us want the latest and greatest new gadget, thinking that if we have that new thing then we'll be satisfied.
• 20:55
  chataboutjesus.com: Hey, check out my out my new phone.
• 20:56
  chataboutjesus.com: It's got TurboFlex.
• 20:58
  chataboutjesus.com: Hey, that's cool.
• 20:59
  chataboutjesus.com: What is that?
• 21:00
  chataboutjesus.com: But when our envy causes us to seek satisfaction from stuff, it takes our focus away from being satisfied with God.
• 21:08
  chataboutjesus.com: And the Bible says that being envious is a sin.
• 21:12
  chataboutjesus.com: Are you guilty of envy?
• 21:14
  chataboutjesus.com: Sometimes I know I am.
• 21:15
  chataboutjesus.com: When you stand before God on your last day, do you hope that one little sin won't matter and that he'll understand what was in your heart?
• 21:23
  chataboutjesus.com: Even one sin puts a wall between us and God and if we die with that wall there, it's there forever.
• 21:29
  chataboutjesus.com: To receive God's forgiveness and begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, call 888-NEED-HIM.
• 21:37
  chataboutjesus.com: Be sure there's no wall between you and God.
• 21:40
  chataboutjesus.com: Call 888-NEED-HIM.
• 22:03
  Daniel Moore: Welcome back to this week's episode of Connecting the Gap.
• 22:06
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore.
• 22:07
  Daniel Moore: Thank you for joining us.
• 22:08
  Daniel Moore: We are in episode 11 of our 12-episode series on Unqualified, and this week we're talking about you Can't Hide from Oprah, you know.
• 22:23
  Daniel Moore: I'm sure a lot of you that are at least my age or older some of you probably younger than me have heard it as well have heard of the story of Lance Armstrong and his doping scandal and how it was a prime example of detrimental effects of competition and unethical behavior.
• 22:38
  Daniel Moore: Lance Armstrong was a celebrated professional cyclist who won the Tour de France seven times, but his achievements were tarnished when it was revealed that he had been using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career.
• 22:52
  Daniel Moore: In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2013, armstrong admitted to doping and the lies that he had told to cover up his actions.
• 23:01
  Daniel Moore: At the end of the interview, armstrong stated I lost myself in all of that.
• 23:07
  Daniel Moore: This statement speaks to the damaging impact that competition and the pursuit of success at all costs can have on an individual's sense of identity and integrity.
• 23:17
  Daniel Moore: To his relentless pursuit of victory and the pressure to maintain his elite status, armstrong compromised his values and integrity, ultimately leading to a loss of self-identity and a tarnished reputation.
• 23:30
  Daniel Moore: The culture of competition and the desire to win at any cost pushed Armstrong to make unethical choices that not only damaged his own career but also had far-reaching consequences for the sport of cycling and his relationship with others.
• 23:45
  Daniel Moore: Oprah asked him about the 13 years of lives and cover-ups and he told her that the lie just kept gaining momentum and he had to repeat it.
• 23:55
  Daniel Moore: And he told her that the lie just kept gaining momentum and he had to repeat it.
• 23:59
  Daniel Moore: The pressure to maintain a perfect image before his fans and media was too great.
• 24:04
  Daniel Moore: I lost myself.
• 24:06
  Daniel Moore: That's the phrase, you know.
• 24:08
  Daniel Moore: I don't want to lose myself in my pursuit of success and victory.
• 24:11
  Daniel Moore: I don't want to sacrifice what is really important in an effort to gain status.
• 24:20
  Daniel Moore: Competition in itself is not inherently bad.
• 24:22
  Daniel Moore: In fact, competition can be a driving force for personal growth, improvement and achievement.
• 24:27
  Daniel Moore: The desire to excel and reach our highest potential can motivate us to work harder, strive for excellence and push our boundaries.
• 24:38
  Daniel Moore: You know, the Apostle Paul even used the metaphor of a race to encourage believers to run with endurance and perseverance in their faith.
• 24:45
  Daniel Moore: In other words, you run to win.
• 24:48
  Daniel Moore: However, when competition becomes excessive and leads to constant comparison with others, it can have negative consequences.
• 24:55
  Daniel Moore: When individuals define their self-worth solely based on how they measure up against others, they set themselves up for a perpetual cycle of comparison and insecurity.
• 25:05
  Daniel Moore: This mindset can lead to a constant need to outperform others, even at the expense of integrity and authenticity.
• 25:13
  Daniel Moore: When we are solely focused on maintaining our lead and staying ahead of the pack we are solely focused on maintaining our lead and staying ahead of the pack we may miss out on the true blessings and joys of life.
• 25:21
  Daniel Moore: Our fixation on competition can blind us to the beauty of authentic relationships, personal growth and the simple joys of living in the present moment.
• 25:31
  Daniel Moore: Lance Armstrong felt like he had no other choice but to cheat.
• 25:36
  Daniel Moore: As a result, he ended up losing everything, including his integrity.
• 25:42
  Daniel Moore: Lance Armstrong lost himself.
• 25:45
  Daniel Moore: How about us?
• 25:48
  Daniel Moore: How about you?
• 25:49
  Daniel Moore: Are we driven by a culture of competition that obligates us to lose ourselves in order to win?
• 25:56
  Daniel Moore: Is the pressure to perform and produce really so irresistible, or is it possible to find that fulfillment in Jesus, to have a holy confidence that it is not borrowed from the opinion of others?
• 26:09
  Daniel Moore: The answer to the incessant voices of comparison and competition is to know God as our qualifier and our approver.
• 26:19
  Daniel Moore: In Colossians, chapter 2, verses 9 and 10, paul points out the fullness and completeness that believers have in Christ.
• 26:25
  Daniel Moore: Verse 9 emphasizes the deity and supremacy of Jesus Christ, stating that in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.
• 26:34
  Daniel Moore: This verse confirms the divinity and completeness of Jesus, affirming his authority and power.
• 26:41
  Daniel Moore: John 14, 9 further confirms the divinity of Jesus when he says to Philip Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
• 26:49
  Daniel Moore: This statement reinforces the idea that Jesus is the full representation of the Father, embodying the fullness of God's character and attributes.
• 26:59
  Daniel Moore: However, verse 10 challenges us to believe in the fullness and completeness that we have in Christ as well.
• 27:06
  Daniel Moore: Paul continues by stating and in Christ, you have been brought to fullness.
• 27:11
  Daniel Moore: This verse underscores the idea that, as believers, we are also complete in Christ.
• 27:17
  Daniel Moore: We are no longer defined by our past sins or shortcomings, but are made whole and complete through our relationship with Jesus.
• 27:25
  Daniel Moore: It can be easier for us to accept the fullness of Christ in verse 9, but struggle to believe in our uncompleteness, as stated in verse 10.
• 27:33
  Daniel Moore: However, paul's message is clear the fullness of Jesus cannot be separated from the fullness that we have in him as believers.
• 27:41
  Daniel Moore: Just as Christ is complete and whole, so are we in him.
• 27:47
  Daniel Moore: He doesn't pause, he doesn't qualify his statement.
• 27:52
  Daniel Moore: In the context of the brilliance of Christ, he makes a declaration of fullness over you and me.
• 27:58
  Daniel Moore: That's the antidote to the absurdity in the Snapchat society, in which we have to make our lives look interesting for 10 seconds so everyone will think we are having fun.
• 28:10
  Daniel Moore: God desires to speak a different reality over our lives, one that is rooted in His truth and the fullness of Christ that has been given to us.
• 28:19
  Daniel Moore: Through the finished work of Christ on the cross, we have been made complete and whole.
• 28:24
  Daniel Moore: There is nothing more to prove or accomplish, because Jesus has already accomplished everything on our behalf.
• 28:30
  Daniel Moore: This truth serves as a powerful antidote to the spirit of competition that often dominates our lives outside of Christ.
• 28:38
  Daniel Moore: When we understand that we are full of Jesus and that Jesus is full of God, we realize that there is no need to compare ourselves to others or strive to prove our worth.
• 28:49
  Daniel Moore: Our identity and value are secure in Christ and nothing can change that reality.
• 28:56
  Daniel Moore: In Christ, we find true freedom and security.
• 29:00
  Daniel Moore: We no longer need to ask or seek validation or approval from the world, because God Himself is our qualifier.
• 29:07
  Daniel Moore: We are simultaneously unqualified in the eyes of the world, yet declared more than qualified in the eyes of Christ.
• 29:14
  Daniel Moore: Our worth and significance come from Him alone, and we can rest in the assurance that we are loved, accepted and valued by the One who created us.
• 29:24
  Daniel Moore: This understanding transforms how we see ourselves and others.
• 29:29
  Daniel Moore: It releases us from the burden of competition and comparison, allowing us to walk in freedom and confidence as we live out our identity as beloved children of God.
• 29:40
  Daniel Moore: You know there's a series of questions I have to ask myself sometimes, when I feel the spirit of competition rising up within me.
• 29:47
  Daniel Moore: Sometimes I feel the need to tell a story that is bigger and better than anyone else's story.
• 29:52
  Daniel Moore: I'll find myself trying to showcase my importance and significance instead of affirming and celebrating someone else's.
• 30:00
  Daniel Moore: I'll find myself inwardly happy about someone else's struggle because it makes me feel better about my own, and I'll realize that once again I am falling into the trap of comparison.
• 30:13
  Daniel Moore: Here's some questions that need to be asked to break that orbit.
• 30:17
  Daniel Moore: Number one what am I trying to prove?
• 30:20
  Daniel Moore: And number two to whom?
• 30:23
  Daniel Moore: And number three for what?
• 30:26
  Daniel Moore: These questions should stop you in your tracks.
• 30:30
  Daniel Moore: They break the spirit of competition in my life.
• 30:36
  Daniel Moore: True freedom comes when we realize that we have nothing to prove to anyone, for in Christ, god fully approves us.
• 30:41
  Daniel Moore: This understanding is not a one-time revelation but an ongoing process that we must continually revisit in our lives.
• 30:49
  Daniel Moore: The challenges and pressures of life can erode our security and confidence in Christ, leading us to fall into the trap of constant comparison and seeking validation from others.
• 31:00
  Daniel Moore: The only antidote to the destructive cycle of comparison is the return to the simple truth that God alone is our qualifier.
• 31:09
  Daniel Moore: When we grasp the reality that our worth and identity are secure in Christ, we find liberation from the need to prove ourselves or seek approval from others.
• 31:20
  Daniel Moore: This knowledge empowers us to live confidently and authentically, knowing that we are loved and accepted by the Creator of the universe.
• 31:30
  Daniel Moore: As we navigate through life's challenges and temptations, the allure of proving ourselves and measuring up to external standards will always be present.
• 31:38
  Daniel Moore: The pressures to conform, perform and achieve can intensify as we progress in worldly success, making the fear of failure even more daunting.
• 31:47
  Daniel Moore: However, god offers us a fullness and completeness that transcends external validation and cannot be taken away from us.
• 31:56
  Daniel Moore: Without the assurance of Christ's fullness in our lives, we will continually feel empty and unsatisfied, no matter how much we accomplish or consume.
• 32:05
  Daniel Moore: True fulfillment and contentment come from aligning ourselves with God's truth, resting in His approval and living in the freedom that comes from knowing that we are complete in Him.
• 32:14
  Daniel Moore: As we lean into God's truth, resting in His approval and living in the freedom that comes from knowing that we are complete in Him, as we lean into God's grace and love, we can experience a deep sense of peace and security that sustains us through life's uncertainties and challenges.
• 32:25
  Daniel Moore: When you know you are called, you no longer play for the applause of anyone or anything.
• 32:31
  Daniel Moore: Your only desire is the affirmation of a Heavenly Father who loves you when you're broke, who loves you in your sexual dysfunction, who loves you even when you have an issue that you can't seem to get past.
• 32:43
  Daniel Moore: So what are we trying to prove?
• 32:46
  Daniel Moore: We're already approved, we're already qualified.
• 32:51
  Daniel Moore: When we start from a place of completeness in Christ, everything in our lives is transformed Through God's approval and calling.
• 32:59
  Daniel Moore: We are qualified to live a new kind of life that is characterized by freedom, love, service and success.
• 33:06
  Daniel Moore: First, we are truly free to love when we recognize and embrace God's unconditional love for us.
• 33:12
  Daniel Moore: This love surpasses the superficial and temporary love that the world offers and it fills us with a deep sense of security and value as we understand the extent of God's love for us.
• 33:24
  Daniel Moore: We are empowered to love others selflessly and sacrificially, reflecting the love that we have received from Him.
• 33:31
  Daniel Moore: Second, we are free to serve the Lord, not out of fear of rejection, but out of gratitude and thanksgiving for all that he has done for us.
• 33:39
  Daniel Moore: Our service becomes a joyful response to God's grace and goodness in our lives as we seek to honor Him with our actions and glorify Him through our service to others.
• 33:50
  Daniel Moore: And finally, we are free to truly succeed in life.
• 33:54
  Daniel Moore: While God delights in our accomplishments and strengths, he is even more pleased when we prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.
• 34:02
  Daniel Moore: When we recognize God as our ultimate treasure, friend and source of fulfillment, our perspective on success is transformed.
• 34:12
  Daniel Moore: We understand that true success is found in knowing and walking closely with God, rather than worldly achievements or accolades.
• 34:19
  Daniel Moore: In Jesus, we are fully forgiven of all our sins.
• 34:23
  Daniel Moore: This means that we are freed from all shame and condemnation that may have weighed us down in the past.
• 34:29
  Daniel Moore: Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we are cleansed and made new, washed clean from our guilt and given a fresh start.
• 34:38
  Daniel Moore: Not only are we forgiven, but we are also fully loved and accepted by God.
• 34:44
  Daniel Moore: His love for us is unconditional and unwavering, regardless of our past mistakes or shortcomings.
• 34:56
  Daniel Moore: Past mistakes or shortcomings.
• 34:56
  Daniel Moore: This deep love and acceptance provides us with a sense of security and belonging that cannot be shaken by external circumstances or the opinions of others.
• 35:01
  Daniel Moore: Furthermore, in God's calling and purpose for our lives, we find a sense of direction and assurance.
• 35:07
  Daniel Moore: Knowing that we are walking in alignment with God's plan for us gives us confidence and peace, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
• 35:16
  Daniel Moore: Our weaknesses and insecurities pale in comparison to the strength and security that we find in God's calling and guidance.
• 35:26
  Daniel Moore: Because God is for us, nothing and no one can prevail over us.
• 35:30
  Daniel Moore: We are protected, cherished and valued by the Creator of the universe, and His favor surrounds us like a shield.
• 35:38
  Daniel Moore: With God on our side, we can face any obstacle or adversity with courage and faith, knowing that he is with us every step of the way.
• 35:46
  Daniel Moore: As a result, we no longer need to spend our days trying to prove ourselves or earn God's approval.
• 35:53
  Daniel Moore: Through Jesus' gift of righteousness, we have already received God's ultimate approval and acceptance.
• 35:59
  Daniel Moore: We can rest in the assurance of His grace, knowing that we are fully embraced and loved by our Heavenly Father.
• 36:06
  Daniel Moore: This truth sets us free from striving and allows us to live in the freedom and confidence that comes with knowing that we are deeply cherished and accepted by God.
• 36:17
  Daniel Moore: Are you ready to embrace who you are in order to become who God has called you to be?
• 36:24
  Daniel Moore: Are you willing to cease striving for approval and instead trust in God, your qualifier?
• 36:31
  Daniel Moore: If so, well, this is only the beginning.
• 36:37
  Daniel Moore: Well, that's going to wrap up this week's episode of Connecting the Gap.
• 36:41
  Daniel Moore: Next week, when we come back, we will sew up this whole series with episode 12, as we will finish up the episodes here in the series on Unqualified.
• 36:52
  Daniel Moore: So I hope that you guys have enjoyed this series and hopefully you'll join in next week and see how it ends as we roll out the final episode of the series.
• 37:02
  Daniel Moore: Then we'll be on to some new stuff after that, and I've got some great things for this fall that I know I think that you all will enjoy.
• 37:10
  Daniel Moore: Well, that ends this week's episode.
• 37:12
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore.
• 37:13
  Daniel Moore: Thank you so much for listening.
• 37:14
  Daniel Moore: This show really wouldn't be possible without you.
• 37:16
  Daniel Moore: If you're a fan of the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and please subscribe to us on your favorite platform, and the links for all of those are in the show notes and also transcriptions for this series is on our website as well, and you can find that at wwwconnectingthegapnet.
• 37:35
  Daniel Moore: Well, that's all for this week, and as we go, we always like to remind you that we believe that God's word never fails us.
• 37:41
  Daniel Moore: God's word has stood the test of time and through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.
• 37:49
  Aria: You've been listening to Connecting the Gap podcast.
• 37:51
  Aria: In this world, there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives.
• 37:54
  Aria: This podcast is birthed from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God.
• 38:02
  Aria: Each week, we take a few moments as we navigate God's word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap.
• 38:09
  Aria: We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble.
• 38:15
  Aria: We are also on the Christian podcasting app Edify.
• 38:17
  Aria: You can subscribe to our podcast on many of the available podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcast, spotify, amazon Music, iheart Radio, tunein Radio and more.
• 38:27
  Aria: We are also available on your Alexa-enabled devices.
• 38:30
  Aria: If you would like to contact our ministry for any reason, visit our contact page and send us a message.
• 38:36
  Aria: We hope you are blessed by this ministry.
• 38:37
  Aria: This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.