Comparison often breeds covetousness, the desire for what others have. This desire can quickly spiral into discontentment, causing us to question God's provision and goodness. We start to believe the lie that if only we had what others have, we would be truly happy. But covetousness is a thief of joy. It blinds us to the blessings we already possess and sows seeds of bitterness in our hearts.
On Sunday, Student Ministry Director Andrew Archer taught us about the tenth commandment. Exodus 20:17 says, “Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Some may look at that commandment and think this one isn’t a struggle for them, but as Andrew shared with us, it is so much easier for us to fall into it than we realize.
As a young mother, I remember playing the comparison game with everyone I met who had a child. Was their kid ahead of mine in reaching milestones? Was she more of a put together mom than me? Did her kids throw tantrums that threw her for a loop? I was constantly reaching for an idea of what a mom looked like instead of being content with the abilities God gave me to parent my children.
The Apostle Paul addresses this issue in 2 Corinthians 10:12, saying, "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." Paul warns against the folly of comparison, pointing out that it leads to an unhealthy focus on others' lives rather than our own walk with God. When we compare, we lose sight of the unique path God has laid out for us, and instead, we become fixated on what we lack.
On Sunday, Student Ministry Director Andrew Archer taught us about the tenth commandment. Exodus 20:17 says, “Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Some may look at that commandment and think this one isn’t a struggle for them, but as Andrew shared with us, it is so much easier for us to fall into it than we realize.
As a young mother, I remember playing the comparison game with everyone I met who had a child. Was their kid ahead of mine in reaching milestones? Was she more of a put together mom than me? Did her kids throw tantrums that threw her for a loop? I was constantly reaching for an idea of what a mom looked like instead of being content with the abilities God gave me to parent my children.
The Apostle Paul addresses this issue in 2 Corinthians 10:12, saying, "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." Paul warns against the folly of comparison, pointing out that it leads to an unhealthy focus on others' lives rather than our own walk with God. When we compare, we lose sight of the unique path God has laid out for us, and instead, we become fixated on what we lack.
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Whether it be a young mother trying to navigate her new life, a student looking to their peers for approval, an executive looking to continually climb the next rung of the ladder, or anyone who finds themselves looking at others for what they should have or be, we should all seek contentment and show gratitude to the Lord for the way He has designed us to live our own unique lives.
Let us choose to celebrate others' successes without diminishing our own. By focusing on our unique path and embracing God's specific blessings for our lives, we can avoid the snare of comparison and walk in the joy and peace that God intends for us.
This week, I encourage you to pause when you find yourself in moments of comparison and pray to God in thankfulness for the things you have and the person you are.
Let us choose to celebrate others' successes without diminishing our own. By focusing on our unique path and embracing God's specific blessings for our lives, we can avoid the snare of comparison and walk in the joy and peace that God intends for us.
This week, I encourage you to pause when you find yourself in moments of comparison and pray to God in thankfulness for the things you have and the person you are.
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