"Don’t compare yourself with others. Just look at your own work to see if you have done anything to be proud of."
- Galatians 6:4-5
Comparison is the thief of joy; it doesn't matter who you are, the moment that you compare yourself to someone else you open the door of discouragement. Now understand that there is a fine line between comparison and inspiration. We all have people in our lives that inspire and motivate us, and there is nothing wrong with having role models and dreaming big. However, comparison comprises of valuing someone else's life or possessions over your own.
When it comes down to comparison it's all about the heart! For example, if I were to follow a highly successful person on social media and begin to compare myself to them; that person wouldn't be to blame for my insecurity. In fact, it would mean that my heart needed some work and that I lacked confidence. Most of the time that we face comparison, it's because we are struggling internally. It's not until we recognize that God has uniquely molded us, that we can look at someone else's life and not find any fault in our own. It's so easy to want to mirror someone else's life, but that's not healthy.
I've always been fascinated with how personal God is, and he never hesitates to supply us with what we need. God doesn't give out second-hand miracles, neither does he create multiple versions of the same people. All that to say, there is no need to compare yourself to other people because God has intentionally set you apart. I used to really struggle with comparison in high school; mainly because I felt that being different was a bad thing. I wanted to “fit in” and be a part of the "in crowd". But little did I know that I was designed to be distinct, and so were you! Of course, all humans face similar struggles and successes, but that's because we all live on the same planet not because we were meant to have the same stories!
In 1 Samuel Chapter 1-2, we see a woman named Hannah, Hannah didn't have any children; however, her husband's other wife (Peninnah) had quite a few. I imagine that Hannah was constantly comparing herself to Peninnah because she lacked in an area that Peninnah thrived in. To make matters worse Peninah was always mocking Hannah for not having any children. Ultimately Hannah ran to God with the matter, she knew that comparison wasn't going to bear good fruit; and that God would grant her what she desired. She prayed fervently and gave birth to a son named Samuel, who grew up to love the Lord.
Whenever we compare ourselves to others we make an idol out of what they possess. Whether it's wealth, beauty, or social status; envy is never justified. We should trust that God is the ultimate source of our happiness. I've been caught in the web of comparison before, and I learned that God is too Good of a God to give me something borrowed.
God wants to give us our own thing...
~ Our own path
~ Our own gifts
~ Our own talents
~ Our own callings
~ Our own stories
Personally, I've noticed that Comparison breeds negativity, stress, dissatisfaction, bitterness, you name it! I want nothing more than to see the theme of comparison die in our society. I challenge you to write down who you've been comparing yourself to, and really ponder as to why you've been comparing yourself to that person. The root of all comparison is some form of insecurity; and all insecurity does is create disruption, distraction, and discontentment. Once you classify the specific root of that insecurity ask God to lead you away from it, and help you live a new life; One that doesn't have any ties to comparison. Take whatever your battling and bring it to the altar, Let God carry you to freedom.
Bury comparison and Live for God.
STAY INSPIRED!
