The Comparison Game
The “comparison game” has trapped us all at one time or the other. I mentioned that it is old because it makes its appearance in the first book of the Bible. Genesis is filled with a number of players.
In II Corinthians 10:12 Paul writes:“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
Those last two words pack a real punch. Paul lets us know that the comparison game is such a foolish endeavor.
Through every season of life, you can look around finding yourself either falling short or rising above the crowd that surrounds you. In this system of measurement, you refer to the status quo as your benchmark. This was Paul’s point. This type of yardstick can knock you over the head or place a crown on top of your head from moment to moment. God knows us and the struggle we are faced with daily. From fashion, to parenting, to marriage or finances, we can spin out of control at a rapid pace. How do we remain affirmed in who God made us to be, but yet be open to growth and change without being bogged down in the mire of comparison. The answer is to use a different yardstick.
Hebrews 13:5-6 states,
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
We can be content and not filled with envy or pride when we remember that everything we have and are is directly planned by a loving God.
This promise of His presence for all eternity comes with the ability to cry out to our Helper when we are drowning in the trap of comparison. I love how God even includes the opinions and effects of man because He knows we will come face to face with them on a quest to rid ourselves of man’s approval. This verse reminds us to claim victory from the worry of man’s measurement and opinion. Be Content
Be content in who God made you to be, and then go in confidence being free from the fear of man’s evaluation. Sounds like a great plan, but I get in the way. Reminding my heart to embrace God’s design because His hands are the ones molding and shaping me is a constant state of surrender.
When I do surrender to this truth I find purpose for every one of my strengths and weaknesses He has orchestrated. So whether it is t-shirt and jeans in a polished nails and heels world, or another area of comparison you struggle with, just let contentment be your yardstick. You will find that instead of wanting to be what you aren’t, you will truly enjoy the variety of others and the uniqueness of you. 52-Week Gratitude Journal
Good days begin with gratitude! This 52-week gratitude journal is on our favorites list! It's one of the best ways I know to turn an ungrateful heart into a grateful one, in a hurry! When you start writing down all the goodness God has planted in your life, it becomes more difficult to complain or compare. Grab one today and start cultivating an attitude of gratitude.
Let contentment be your yardstick. I love that! What areas of comparison do you struggle with?
14 Comments
3/8/2019 09:45:59 am
Let contentment be your yardstick. I love that too. Visiting you from the grace and truth link up. laurensparks.net
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3/8/2019 10:40:58 am
I have really struggled with this idea for a long time. Just recently I realized that my body image struggles where rooted in a heart of discontentment. I am praying and seeking God, but it is so difficult to overcome. Thank you so much for sharing this. I am pinning and sharing to my page.
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3/2/2021 01:19:39 pm
Such a great perspective, Angela. Thanks for pinning! :)
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3/8/2019 10:41:42 am
This is so true! And there are so many things around us we can compare ourselves too, leading down a road to frustration and negative inner dialogue. Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible, and I love how Paul says, “for I have learned to be content . . .” I think he knew first hand what it was to compare, and the negative effects it has.
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3/2/2021 01:22:13 pm
You are so right, Katrina! There are so many things we can compare ourselves to, and if we compare ourselves to the wrong things it can be frustrating, for sure.
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3/8/2019 11:32:51 am
Oh yes, this hits home! I especially relate to the statement “This type of yardstick can knock you over the head or place a crown on top of your head from moment to moment.” Great post and reminder! Visiting from #BVN.
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3/2/2021 01:23:09 pm
“This type of yardstick can knock you over the head or place a crown on top of your head from moment to moment.” <— I love that quote too, Judith. Thanks for the visit!
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3/2/2021 01:25:38 pm
Contentment will make a world of difference in our lives when we grasp hold of that concept, Elizabeth!
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3/10/2019 05:17:28 pm
"Contentment is the best antidote to comparison." Yes! Gratitude grows contentment, and contentment gives our hearts peace and joy. I love the gratitude journal you've featured. I need to check it out!
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3/2/2021 01:28:15 pm
"Gratitude grows contentment..." <— I love that, Christine! Contentment is where peace and joy grow. It's a great journal!
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