Sermon Guide

Stop Counting

May 10, 2026
Jonathan Stutts + Mother's Day Guest Panel
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Mother’s Day brings a mix of emotions—joy, grief, gratitude, and often comparison. But in the middle of all of it, Jesus invites us into something better: not measuring our lives against others, but being faithful with what God has placed in our hands.

REVIEW: God Gives Differently on Purpose.

READ: Matthew 25:14–15
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.”

DISCUSS: Where are you tempted to interpret “different” in your life as “less than”? How might trusting God’s design change the way you see your current season or assignment?

REVIEW: Comparison Creates Fear.

READ: 2 Corinthians 10:12
“Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!”

DISCUSS: What tends to trigger comparison in your life? When comparison shows up, how does it shape your thoughts, emotions, or actions?

REVIEW: Faithfulness Matters More Than Production.

READ: Matthew 25:21
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”

DISCUSS: Where do you feel pressure to perform or produce instead of simply being faithful? What would it look like to redefine success as faithfulness in this season?

REVIEW: God is forming your identity, not measuring your performance.

READ: Luke 1:38
“Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’”

DISCUSS: What would it look like for you to respond to God with surrender instead of striving? Where is He inviting you to say “yes” today?

ASK

Where have you been “counting”—measuring your life against someone else—instead of being faithful with what God has given you?

PRAY

Jesus, thank You that our value is not found in comparison or performance but in being known and loved by You. Free us from fear, insecurity, and striving, and help us to trust the way You have uniquely designed our lives. Give us grace to be faithful in this season and courage to walk fully in what You’ve entrusted to us. Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

This week, take practical steps to stop comparing and start living faithfully:

  • Name comparison: Notice when comparison shows up and call it out honestly before God.
  • Limit inputs: Take a break from one source (social media, etc.) that fuels comparison.
  • Practice gratitude: Each day, thank God specifically for what He has given you.
  • Choose faithfulness: Identify one small, meaningful way to show up faithfully in your current season.
  • Speak truth: Replace comparison thoughts with truth—“God has given me what I need for this assignment.”

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