When I was a teenager, I had a terrible habit of comparing myself to the people around me. It seemed every girl had better skin, a nicer nose, and smoother hair. Many young people had more friends, were better singers, and all were better at sports. As a Bible Quizzer, I was surrounded by dozens of competitors who were faster, sharper-minded, and who knew their material better. In college, I encountered endless students who were smarter and more skilled at everything I attempted. They were better at Spanish, English, teaching, reading, researching, and writing… You get the idea.

Thankfully, by that time I had soundly accepted that there will ALWAYS be people who are better than me. I don’t have to be the best – I can only do MY best. If I constantly compare myself to others and put myself down, I will negate the value of the abilities God has given me. Not only will I be unhappy, but I will miss out on my own purpose.

The Bible resounds with teaching to combat the mental habit of comparing.

  • Comparison is a good habit to break because it is truly unwise (2 Corinthians 10:12).

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

  • I can learn to be content with how God made me (Philippians 4:11).
  • All I do is for the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).
  • My talents are for service in God’s Kingdom (Hebrews 12:28).
  • With a twist of humor, God has shown me that He will use me in my weaknesses as well as my strengths (2 Corinthians 12:9). When I feel like I’m not enough, His strength is perfect!

Devotion by Kristi Moore

Author

Comments are closed.