I have an issue. I get caught in the comparison trap much too often. This problem isn’t “Oh I’m better than that person.” I get caught in the trap of evaluating myself to others who I think are better than me.
I find myself thinking; Wow, when am I going to be able to run everyday her? Or why can’t I write like them? Why can’t I lose the weight or eat like they do? It’s a ferocious cycle.
My spiritual life is no different. The thoughts in my head go like this, Why can’t I have faith like my husbands? Why can’t I study the Bible like her? Or He is such prayer warrior. My prayer life stinks. That friend is so together and has a strong walk. I’m inconsistent, struggle and don’t seem to have a thirst for God like they do, what’s wrong with me? I must not be good enough for God.
A guest speaker at the church I attend had this to say about comparison, “It will take you down one of two paths – pride or depression.” For me, 95 percent of the time relating my life to another leads to depression and discouragement. He went on to say our standard should not be those around us, but God is to be our standard. That makes me feel so much better. Yeah, right. How about you?
The truth is we are to be “perfect as our Heavenly is perfect” Matthew 4:28 (NIV 1984). However, here are on earth it’s not possible because we are in our human, sinful bodies. But we are to strive toward the goal, by reading the Word, prayer, and through the work of the Holy Spirit.
There is another thought I need to consider in reference to measuring up to others. I am a unique person. You just have to look at my DNA and finger prints to know that. Therefore, it stands to reason that I will not be like another runner, writer, or home decorator. I won’t be the same as another mother, wife, or woman. And most importantly my spiritual walk will not mirror any other person.
My prayer life and quiet times will be different. But it doesn’t mean the way I do things is wrong. God works differently in my life because I am unique and so are the details of the situations in my life.
What about the other things? My body can’t handle running everyday. The writing I do comes from a totally different perspective then others and I’m not called to write like others either. And the spiritual life? I have to ask myself these questions:
Am I growing?
- Is my desire to do the things God wants?
- Do I read, and talk to God?
- Do I desire to improve?
The answers to these are a definitely yes.
How about you? Do you find that you compare yourself to others, especially in your spiritual walk? Stop it. Talk to the Heavenly Father; ask him to show you what pleases Him about your walk. Pray He’ll give you the strength to change the things that need changing and to stop comparing yourself with others.
You are unique, loved and the apple of the Father’s eye. Celebrate the fact that there is no one like you.
“Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, with out comparing himself to somebody else.”
Galatians 6:4
Solitude with the Father 