Comparison the thief of joy
Theodore Roosevelt accurately wrote that, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” So why is it, friends, that we repeatedly kick our joy to the curb in order to be more like someone else, or have what they have, or criticize and judge what they do? It’s almost automatic…we judge mission fields (Africa or at home), kids’ performance (athletic, academic and social), level of spirituality based on involvements, and moms…we judge each other on all of the above and even our commitment as mothers (working or SAHM).
“You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part ”mean anything.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 MSG
Comparison moves us away from who we are in Christ and results in either pride or insecurity. Each of us were created with gifts and callings to become part of the body of Christ, as we can read in 1 Corinthians 12. We don’t serve the same, worship the same, work the same or look the same. Yet, all of us have a place in the body…us, our neighbor and God’s created loved ones in “name your country”. Our identity is in Jesus, and our purpose is to run the race HE gave each of us. When we’re blinded by pride or insecurity, we are blinded to the course He set before us.
When you find yourself trading your joy for comparison, take back your joy and cheer that brother or sister on. Fix your eyes unwaveringly on the source of your identity, Jesus, and run your race.
“How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?” John 5:44 MSG
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