Comparison is a Thief!
Comparison. What a life-sucker! Comparison can quickly rob you of your joy. All of our gifts come from our Creator. It's up to us how far we take these gifts and if we choose to serve God with them or serve the devil. I can easily look around and see people who have things that I would like to have and become envious or jealous. But why? I didn't make the same sacrifices as them. I have to choose to be grateful for the things I do have. My husband and I have made countless sacrifices in our 13+ years of marriage and navigating through it all was tough, but everything we have built or possess is because of hard-work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of fulfilling the call on our lives. We have been faithful to God and followed His direction, I want nothing more than to please my Creator! I don't want to live someone else's journey.
How often do we look at social media and compare ourselves to people we don't even know? Especially for women, comparing ourselves to strangers that seem to have it all. We don't know their personal life. We see a snapshot of the best photos and trips they've taken. Those who don't show the online world any of their flaws, may have an issue with perfectionism and this can make you to think you are somehow a wreck and don't have it all together. Honestly, many of us are a mess, especially if we aren't living for Jesus. Live your life on purpose for God's purpose. Don't live your life trying to be someone else. Be who God created YOU to be! The only person you should be comparing yourself to is you. See how far you are growing in Christ - praise God for your progress! We are on a journey… one that takes a lifetime. Allow yourself time to get to know God. He only wants what is best for you, like a good Father! Take time to focus on your spiritual growth. Read His word for yourself and see what He wants to show you. Only you can do it for yourself.
Romans 12:6-9 (MSG) So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't. If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face. Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it.
1 Peter 2:1-3 (MSG) So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.
