Breaking Free from the Shackles of Comparison

 

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.  For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 6:4-5

A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.

Proverbs 14:30

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

Philippians 4:11

 

They say comparison is the thief of joy. Yet, we willingly give the thief the key to our sanity and act bewildered when we are left bankrupt. Comparison robs us of walking boldly in our unique purpose. It robs us of tending to our own garden, tilling our own soil. We waste our giftings when we collapse in envy, wishing we had the talents of another. That is not how we are meant to live. God created us in His image. We reflect the beauty of the King. Psalm 139:14 states that we are made fearfully and wonderfully.

When we compare ourselves with others, we are negating the fact that God carefully fashioned us with intention. Every quirk, every personality trait, every physical feature was  skillfully designed by God. We are His masterpiece, created anew to do the good works He planned for us long ago( Ephesians 2:10). God placed within us a host of gifts, talents, and abilities. Instead of comparing ourselves to each other, we should focus on stewarding the gifts that God has bestowed upon us. Comparison certainly robs us of joy. It robs us of celebrating with each other and only causes us to descend into envy.

 Proverbs 14:30 states that a sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. Envy constricts and causes harm. When we compare ourselves to others, we invite envy to take up room in our hearts. This should not be so.  Wouldn’t it be better to rejoice with each other over the variety of blessings that God has endowed upon us? Wouldn’t  it be better to focus on the journey that God has for us instead of always inquiring about everyone else’s success?  We are the body of Christ. We need each other to thrive. Every member is important, vital, and necessary. It is beautiful when we work together in harmony and unity.

So, what do you do when you find yourself overwhelmed by comparison?

1.      Confess it to God. Be honest with God in prayer. Tell him that you are struggling to be content with the season of life that you are in. Ask Him to help you learn contentment. Ask Him to open your eyes to see the beauty of your life. He will meet you where you are and offer rescue.

2.      Focus on nurturing and cultivating your own gifts, talents, and abilities. If you are not sure what they are, ask your close friends and family members to help you identify what you excel in. Make a record of it and build on it.

3.      Try to enjoy the gifts of others. Try to rejoice when others rejoice and celebrate the wins of others. Remember that God is the giver of good gifts, and He has gifted you with good gifts.  Remember that we are all a part of the body of Christ. Every part matters. Everyone cannot be the eyes of the body. Everyone cannot be the ears. Everyone cannot be the arms or the legs. Rather, we need each other. So, celebrate with others instead of envying them. Genuinely compliment their success.

4.      Look to Scripture for verses on your identity in Christ. These scriptures will anchor you to the truth and help you to see your worth in Him. The following verses are just a few.

✨ Scripture Reflections

Verse	Truth About You
2 Corinthians 5:17	You are a new creation. The old has passed; the new has come.
Galatians 2:20	Christ lives in you. You’re no longer just surviving—you’re empowered.
Ephesians 2:10	You are His masterpiece, handcrafted for good works.
1 Peter 2:9	You are chosen, royal, holy, and belong to Him.
Romans 8:17	You are an heir, welcomed into Kingdom inheritance.
John 1:12	You are a child of God, adopted with love and intention.
Colossians 3:3	Your life is hidden in Christ, safely anchored in Him.

 

Remember that you are precious to God. God created you for a purpose and desires the best for you. Your life is formed by Him. Thank Him for the beauty of your life.