Resisting the Comparison Trap

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands” (Psalm 138:8).

Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” There are many reasons why we get caught in the trap of comparison. Unhealthy relationships as a child or an adult, may have made us question our value as a person. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue can bring death or life.” Unkind words spoken to us at any age substantially impact our feelings of self-worth. They create the catalyst needed to begin the practice of comparing ourselves to others. Those toxic words stick with us to mold and shape how we see ourselves.

Additionally, the heaviness of feeling inferior and insecure can cloud our vision of the gifts and blessings God has given us. Our identity is not found in what other people think of us or even what we think of ourselves. We were all created differently by God, in His own image! Our identity is found in Jesus and in God’s purpose for us. HE is the one who made a new life in us through Jesus’s death and resurrection!

BEFORE we were formed in our mother’s womb, God was thinking of us. He knew and loved us (Jeremiah 1:5). His design was perfect. Comparison not only focuses on our shortcomings, but can also result in pride (we compare ourselves to others who aren’t doing as well as we are to feel superior). God wants us to see ourselves how HE sees us. We are who GOD says we are; our security is grounded in that! We must accept who we are in Christ and know that God will turn what was meant to harm us into something good for His purpose! (Genesis 50:20). We can be made whole through Jesus and live in the freedom and fullness he offers us!

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: Do you find yourself in the trap of comparison? Read these scriptures and take comfort in knowing you belong to our Risen Savior!

“Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3).

“God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God’s nature. (Genesis 1:27).

“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant” (Galatians 1:10).

Prayer: Father God, we praise You today for putting so much thought and love into our creation! We ask that You remove any feelings of inferiority, insecurity, bitterness, and unforgiveness from our minds and hearts. Today is the day we commit to putting feelings of hurt and low self-esteem behind us. Help us be content and joyful in the love You have for us. Please keep our focus on You and on the gifts and blessings You have given us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: You are fearfully and wonderfully made!” (Psalm 139:14). Eternal value can only be found in God!