COMPARISON
It’s so easy to get this confused. We often compare ourselves to other people as if they are some type of standard or mold we must fit into in order to be accepted. This is far from the truth. We are made in the image of God– uniquely created to reveal parts of his being to this world that is in desperate need of truth. He doesn’t make mistakes. You are not missing something because your story looks different from those around you. Your personality, gifts, and calling have all been designed to be used by God, to reveal him to others, and to leave you more in awe of who he is. We must first look to God to know who we are, not those we have made up in our minds to be the standard.
Who do you most often compare yourself to? What is it about them, whether it be personality, relationship or financial status, their home, community or friendships, that you find yourself thinking about the most? In those moments, what do you believe about yourself? Do you feel less than or inadequate? Do you feel afraid that you won’t be taken care of in the same way they are?
We can learn so much from this. How we view others, and in turn what we say about ourselves in those same moments, can actually reveal what we believe about God. Do we believe he is enough and that what we have and the story of our lives is good because he says it is? Even more, do I still believe God is good in the face of what I do not have? In the midst of comparison, it can be so hard to hold onto truth.
Instead of striving harder in our own lives to match up, I wonder what would happen if we paused and reflected on our posture towards God and our own thoughts and beliefs about what we’re declaring as truth. What we will find is that he is, always was, and will continue to be good despite how we may feel. The question becomes, can we hold onto this truth and still not have exactly what we desire? As hard as it might be, there is freedom in reconciling this truth in our hearts— we have all that we need because we have salvation and relationship with him. This doesn’t always feel good, and yet it is the very thing we were created to crave, despite everything and anything that gets in our own way.
Your life isn’t supposed to look like the ones you are comparing it to. You have a unique story and life that God is working out for your good and his glory. You’re not missing out.
Pray for those you are comparing yourself to. Thank God for their lives and what he has given them. Allow yourself to express gratitude for them. This is often the very opposite of what we want to do, and yet it is the very thing our heart needs— to be reminded that God is good in their lives, and ours too.