Many times I have walked in a big city neighborhood, observing and evaluating the various architectural styles, noting my likes and dislikes. One day I realized that I didn’t have to decide which houses I liked and didn’t like—I didn’t need to judge or evaluate them. I wasn’t going to buy any of them, and certainly no one had asked my opinion of them. I could simply enjoy each building for its uniqueness while understanding that it wasn’t my house. 

“It’s not my house!” This fresh thought has become important to me beyond its literal meaning. It stops me from trying to evaluate—and possibly offer corrections to—situations that are not mine to resolve. If I’m tempted to give an unsolicited opinion, I remind myself, “It’s not my house. Let it go!”

I reached this conclusion through something deeper than a simple dismissal of personal opinion. It came from a growing awareness that I had to gain a better understanding of what my “house”—my true identity—is and to be fully conscious of who I am as God’s loved, cared-for child. This “house,” this spiritual identity, is complete, furnished with all that I need to fulfill my unique, God-given purpose. And because the source of everyone’s life is God, who is infinite, the expression of our own completeness is distinct from that of anyone else, so there’s no reason for comparison.