How does she get so many likes? She gets so much attention.
He is just better than me in everything, I’ll never be good enough.
Wow- she is so happy with her perfect husband and kids, but I’m still single.
These are real quotes I have heard from really amazing men and women of God. These comparative statements KILL. The truth is comparison has always been a tactic of the enemy. He wants you to desire what you don’t have and lose sight of what you do. We were raised in a society of photo shopped models, ads that told you if you wore “Y” you would get “Z”, and the infamous selfie. Comparison holds you to a standard you simply cannot be held to, because it’s a standard of a completely different person. Jesus never asked you to be that person, and quite frankly, the number of “likes” and “followers” you get holds no value in eternity, nor in the world for that matter.
One day, this reality of comparison hit me hard. I was getting down about one of my friend’s ability to lead worship. I can barely hold a tune most days and I wondered why I wasn’t as good as her. In the time I spent comparing myself, I was MISSING OUT on the gifts and talents the Lord wanted to develop in me! The truth is the enemy, in those moments, was ROBBING ME of the joy of discovering my unique skill set & character traits. The crazy part of this revelation was when I finally repented to her, she had her own laundry list of things SHE HAD COMPARED HERSELF TO ME WITH! I was in shock.
The Bible says “Don’t compare yourself among yourselves.” And that, my friend, is wisdom! Not only does comparison produce self hatred, but it inhibits John 17 love, because how can you truly love or champion someone whom you’re jealous of?
How do we not compare ourselves then? I found the answer and although it’s simple, it takes a lot of daily decisions to walk out. Ready for it?
Humility.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” When our eyes are glued on our Creator, and His purpose and plans, you don’t have time to feel bad for yourself. In fact, as you go deeper with the Lord, you will get His heart for others and His heart for you! On this journey of intimacy, I have realized I may not be the best singer, but boy, I can preach!! Who would have thought?!
Ephesians 4 talks about how we are all different parts of the body of Christ, and the Lord has been showing me how to CELEBRATE each part! A foot can’t be a very good hand, even if it tries its hardest. We need to truly encourage and champion our brothers and sisters in being what part God has called them to be. We need to see them as God sees them and look for ways to SERVE them and their gifts. Yes I said it, serve them!
After all, we are all on the same team, right? Their victories should be our victories. In Luke 22 comparison rose among the disciples and they asked Jesus which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus responds by saying “The one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”
An easy combat plan to KILL COMPARISON with another person is to serve their gifts and ministry. Ask how you can help them grow. Give them a platform to shine on! Edify them with your words to their face and behind their back! Now every time my friend plays worship, my heart truly leaps for joy because I know she is walking out in who Christ has called her to be. As for me, in the midst of serving others, the Lord has been faithful to open doors for me to preach. And I can honestly say, I wouldn’t want to be anyone else!
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourself.” [Philippians 2:3]