Comparison - A Joy Sucker
September 11, 2021
Comparing yourself to others will rob you of joy. For me, it leads my thoughts down one of three paths. One is getting down on myself because I feel like I am coming up short compared to others. Another path is being jealous of another person who seems to be more successful or talented than I am. The third is being critical of others because I compare what I am doing to them and think I am doing it better – according to my own perception. Here is what Paul says about comparisons in 2 Corinthians 10:12-13:
12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us… (NKJV)
Paul says making comparisons is not wise. He says the only comparison I should be making is my own actions as they relate to God’s specific assignment to me. Accomplishing the things that God has asked me to do is a source of joy. If I completed a task that was assigned to me, I should rejoice! That is where my mind should stay, and when I keep my thoughts there, I have plenty of reasons to rejoice. Working in my church’s bookstore and writing blog posts are tasks God has assigned to me. When I sell even just one book, I have reason to rejoice. When I finish this blog post, I have reason to rejoice.
Instead of letting my mind go to jealousy or criticism of others based on comparisons, I can rejoice in their success at completing the task God gave them to do. A task well done for God is a source of joy, no matter who accomplished it. According to Romans 12, all believers in Jesus are one body. The accomplishment of one part of the body is credited as an accomplishment to the whole body. Remember that and actively rejoice!