Comparing ourselves negatively with others leads to discontment, discouragement and jealously. Do you struggle with comparison?
Comparing means examining the similarities and differences of two or more things, ideas or people. When we compare ourselves with others, it can be a form of jealousy that results from not trusting in the Lord’s love and fairness.
Job titles, income, social following, successful businesses, free time, attitude about life, physical fitness, excellence at a hobby…
These are things that I see other people excelling at over myself on a daily basis, and if I’m not careful, comparing myself to them on one of these metrics can potentially strip me of contentment with who I am, and what I am good at.
Theodore Roosevelt, a president known for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, is quoted as saying: Comparison is the thief of joy.
Be aware of where you are in the current chapter of your life and make no mistake by trading your joy and comparing yourselves with others journey.
I had to check myself more than twice recently. I am so thankful for conviction of the Holy Spirit. Comparison is corrosive. It eats away at my ability to be content and confident. It is a poison that kills the love I have for myself.
Comparison is a thief of joy, and jealousy is often its partner in crime. Whether I’m comparing my body, abilities, or bank account to someone else’s, I do harm to myself if I allow that comparison to rob me of my self-satisfaction and engender envy. It’s a bad habit I’m still learning to break, but certain truths have helped me to compare and envy less and to thereby do a better job of loving myself.
So don’t hold yourself up to some outside vague standard of greatness. Judge your work by your principles and leave comparison out of the equation.
Comparison is rarely constructive. Envy is a destroyer of joy. I might as well learn to love myself on my own terms who I am, how I look, and what I’m capable of because I’m the only me I’ve got.
The scripture reminds us : “Let everyone be sure to do his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work done well and won’t need to compare himself with someone else.” (Galatians 6:4 LB)
Truth is when you strive to be the person God made you to be, you’ll find real meaning, purpose, fulfillment, and satisfaction. You can’t focus on your purpose while looking at other people.
True contentment is found at His feet. It is joy unspeakable.
Here are the keys to finding true contentment (and keeping it! 🙂
Perspective:: We compare by nature, but often to people whom we perceive have better lives. The grass is always greener mentality will only leave us feeling like bad gardeners.
Gratitude:: I find joy in being thankful for all He has given me. Even if sometimes it’s smaller and not as fancy as others. True joy is a reflection of a thankful heart. And in Him, I have it all–everything that matters.
Recognition:: Every good and perfect gift comes from our Father from God.
Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are. – Marianne Williamson
Don’t let comparison steal your joy. Join me in defeating this enemy today!
Ask God to show you ways that you compare yourself to others. Confess your comparisons and ask God to re-direct your heart toward contentment and gratitude.
– Flore💕
