Comparison is something that begins from the time that we are super young. Most of the time unintentionally. Whether it is in your family with siblings, your classmates at school, or on the sports team. It can either be you comparing yourself or someone else comparing you to others.
Comparison is not something God has for us. When we compare it can lead us down a dark road.
There are many stories in the Bible that speak on this. A popular one is King Saul’s jealousy over David. His comparison to David led to jealousy, obsession, and the hunt for his murder. And it can do the same to us.
With the rise of social media, comparison has increased. We used to be able to spend most of our lives unaware of what is going on in others lives, to now being able to see what someone does in their day to day. Seeing this can make us view our life in comparison to others.
To be very honest, one of the reasons I had to remove myself from social media is because of this very reason. But truth be told, on or off social media, this is something that I had to stop. I am still not 100% in this area. I have to be mindful and intentional in this area. As I have worked on this, here are some verses and key elements I have learned to combat this issue. I hope this can inspire and encourage you!
- Be Content
God calls us to be content – (Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:11-12). When we are content we are able to live our lives with peace and joy in whatever situation we are in. And sometimes this situation looks different from others. Getting to this place of contentment will remove the need for our heart, attitude or actions to change based on what is taking place in someone else’s life.
- Everyone’s Different Path
I believe that a key component of contentment is understanding that we are all on different paths. God has created us all differently – different talents, giftings and callings. If we all have these differences then our lives do not all look the same. They are different!
The problem that arises is when what we believe God has for us, we see happening in someone else’s life. In understanding that our paths look different so do the timing of how those things unravel. Such as graduations, job opportunities, marriages, children, etc. These will all happen for us at different times.
In understanding that all our paths (and timelines) look different, there is no need to compare your path to another – because it is your path! If you are truly following God’s leading in your life and have given control, be at peace walking the path he has for you. Therefore, no need to compare what God is in control of.
- Goodbye Insecurities
God calls us to love ourselves – Matthew 22:39. Sometimes that is hard to do when we are insecure. In fact, a big part of comparison is attached to insecurity. We must learn to be secure in who God has made us to be. When we are secure, loving ourselves, we don’t feel the need to compare what we think is “lacking” (insecurity) in us to someone else. Instead we are able to freely be who God has made us to be and love others the same way.
- Remove yourself
What do I mean by this? If you are having difficulties with comparison maybe you need to remove yourself from social platforms or certain people that are affecting you in this area. This can look like taking a break from social media for a time period. Maybe distancing yourself from some people (in a respectful way). Or keeping some conversations and engagement levels minimal until your heart and mind is at a better place in this area.
- Celebrate Others
Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
A huge way to remove comparison is to learn to genuinely be happy for others. This may not start off easy, but the more you do it, the easier and more natural this will become. As you learn to be content, to walk the path God has just for you, and to be secure in who He’s made you to be, I believe this will also become easier.
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