February 1, 2018

End The Comparisons

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. – Galatians 6:4

Why do we always want what someone else has? Why are we never content to be the person God created us to be? Why are we needlessly comparing ourselves to others, finding either ourselves or the other person to be lacking?

Life is not a competition. God created each of us to be unique and to offer our gifts up to His service and for His glory. It doesn’t matter what someone else is or isn’t doing. That really isn’t what it’s all about.

This constant comparison drives a wedge where friendship should be. It shifts our focus from Jesus and on to things of the world. We were meant to build each other up not tear each other down.

We want to be thin like our co-worker. We want to throw awesome birthday parties like the mom down the street. We want to have a house as large as our sibling. We want to teach others about Jesus like the man who sits on the pew in front of us.

It doesn’t matter that our body shape is different from our co-worker. It doesn’t matter that the other mom loves to craft while our gift is more about gardening. What difference does a house size matter when you have to work 80 hours each week just to pay the mortgage? And praise the man called to teach. Maybe your gift is working with the nursery or the elderly.

That’s the thing. We all have different gifts. What if everyone had the gift of teaching adult Sunday school? Who would rock the babies in the nursery? Who would teach the children? Who would guide the youth? Who would help the elderly get safely to where they needed to be?

It’s no different in other areas of our lives. Some people are athletic and can run for miles. Others get more done through walking. Some people are born to lead and direct the multitudes. Others are happier and more productive being worker bees. One is not greater than the other. All are necessary.

What’s worse is that we allow all these comparisons to draw a wedge between people we should love and support. We’re so busy comparing our lives to theirs – either for the good or the bad – that we forget to be the cheerleaders. We forget to do our part. We forget that it’s not about them. And it’s not about us. It’s about Jesus. It’s always been about Jesus.

So don’t worry if the person next to you in gym can do more sit-ups than you can. And don’t worry that your co-worker got a promotion. Just focus on being the very best you possible. Walk humbly with God on the path He set before you. Focus your eyes on Jesus and do your part when God has placed you.