The Trap of Comparison
Worth is one of those words and conversations that I think many people struggle with, I know I sure have. I have learned one of the greatest and quickest ways to battle with self-worth is through the trap of comparison.
It was such a game changer for me, when God helped me to see, there are only two real probable outcomes of comparison.
The first, and most likely outcome is, I will look at someone else’s achievements, gifts, possessions, or reputation, and begin to feel bad about my own… wishing I had more, different, better… regretting not trying harder, being smarter etc.
The second and less likely outcome is, I will look at someone else’s achievements, gifts, possessions, or reputation, and get an inflated sense of pride and superiority to the other person… thinking I am better, more gifted, more successful… glad I am not stuck, stunted, or as insignificant as them.
Both of these responses… are super gross.
Comparison leads to nothing good, it is a tool of hell, and produces death and division.
Here are a couple verses to help us to walk in victory and health, while avoiding this potential pitfall.
Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
*Anything we do, from a heart and focus of competition with someone else, is not going to produce good fruit, because the foundation is pride. God resists the proud, and draws near to the humble.
Galatians 6:4 “But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.”
*All of this doesn’t mean God isn’t challenging and calling us on to new and stretching seasons. A life with Christ is exciting, and comes with all sorts of twists and turns. That being said, it is a journey with us and Him, and not in comparison to someone else.
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
*Ultimately, our life and focus needs to be fixed on Jesus. Whatever we are doing, as a spouse, a parent, a minister, a friend, a co-worker, a leader, a child, a neighbor… should be done with a heart full of Jesus, setting out to represent and share Him and His way, really well.
Comparison will only and always get in the way of that pure pursuit!
Daniel Sabo
MAY 19, 2021
It was such a game changer for me, when God helped me to see, there are only two real probable outcomes of comparison.
The first, and most likely outcome is, I will look at someone else’s achievements, gifts, possessions, or reputation, and begin to feel bad about my own… wishing I had more, different, better… regretting not trying harder, being smarter etc.
The second and less likely outcome is, I will look at someone else’s achievements, gifts, possessions, or reputation, and get an inflated sense of pride and superiority to the other person… thinking I am better, more gifted, more successful… glad I am not stuck, stunted, or as insignificant as them.
Both of these responses… are super gross.
Comparison leads to nothing good, it is a tool of hell, and produces death and division.
Here are a couple verses to help us to walk in victory and health, while avoiding this potential pitfall.
Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
*Anything we do, from a heart and focus of competition with someone else, is not going to produce good fruit, because the foundation is pride. God resists the proud, and draws near to the humble.
Galatians 6:4 “But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.”
*All of this doesn’t mean God isn’t challenging and calling us on to new and stretching seasons. A life with Christ is exciting, and comes with all sorts of twists and turns. That being said, it is a journey with us and Him, and not in comparison to someone else.
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
*Ultimately, our life and focus needs to be fixed on Jesus. Whatever we are doing, as a spouse, a parent, a minister, a friend, a co-worker, a leader, a child, a neighbor… should be done with a heart full of Jesus, setting out to represent and share Him and His way, really well.
Comparison will only and always get in the way of that pure pursuit!
Daniel Sabo
MAY 19, 2021
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