Weekly Devotional: Learning Not to Compare Ourselves
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 6:4, NIV
People say, with good reason, that comparison is the thief of joy. We find ourselves constantly comparing our situations to others, whether it be our lives, how we look, our jobs, our financial success or some other attribute. When we are engaged in comparison, we become less focused on what we have and more focused on things we wish we had-fostering greed and ungratefulness. God asks us: why then do we compare, and is the end goal to feed our own pride or to please Him? We do not need to dwell on what we do not have; instead, as God continues to remind us, we need to glorify Him and recognize what He has given to us.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2, NIV
The danger of comparison is the way it can take over how we think, act and live our life. This is because we are living for someone else’s expectations, which in the end will lead to a downward spiral of greed. Focusing on the things we do have can transform our mind to be more at peace with what God has given us.
What good does it do to look constantly at the people around you and be filled with jealousy instead of kindness? The person you are comparing yourself to is doing the same thing to another; we all do this. However, it is important to know that comparison does not accomplish anything. Learn to see that God has given us eternal life and the chance to breathe every day. This, rather than any worldly possession, is our most precious gift.
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