It seems so instinctual, such a part of our nature, to compare ourselves to others. To measure up against some standard. The standard doesn’t have to be worldly, materialistic, or bad, it can be things that seem very good. How many minutes do I spend in prayer? How well am I handling my responsibilities and living my life compared to others?
I spent some time really reflecting on the comparisons I make because I think the specific things that come up for me are ways in which the devil is specifically trying to take something good and make me sad or jealous. In that way, while it may be something that seems natural, I don’t think it is of our nature, which God created as good, to compare ourselves in ways that destroy rather than encourage us.
For me personally I will makes comparisons about children or family life or marriage which could tempt me to wonder why do I struggle with infertility? Why do I work out of the home? Why is she able to cook and clean and do everything so well?
The insidious thing about comparing to others is that it misses the reality that God has a very unique and specific mission for each of us. Additionally, our journey, and its steps: be open to the call, discern the call, decide/submit/backup from the call, pray, repeat etc varies for each of us at various times in our journey.
It’s also very difficult for us to see the history that has led a person to a pedestal. Paul, persecuting Christians, and Jonah, running from God, would have us perhaps feel our lives were good in comparison. But God’s plan changed their lives and their souls and the world. And He longs to do that for us as well.
We also never truly know the hearts of anyone but ourselves. If we had seen Jesus on the journey, would we have longed to be in His constant companionship? Like Judas?…
At some level even subconscious evolution is really a result of multiple comparisons for the most likely to survive right? But thinking about that reminds me that this life is not a place for survival. We’re in a waiting room for a place that is where we were made to exist.
It’s also a reminder that what looks like thriving may not be as it is. The life of a martyr, the life of a child who passed away after a few days. So different and yet the most important outcome is the same — eternity with God.
The only comparison that matters is between us and God. It is the comparison of closeness, of encountering true love. And my love story will not be anyone else’s love story. It may seem boring to some, it may not have the plot twists of others, but at the end of the day the true love waiting for me is worth it and the only thing that matters is that we find an encounter each other for our happily ever after.
“Let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.”
Hebrews 12: 1-2
Let us pray:
Dear Shepherd, help my heart know that to You, Our Protector, I am your one and only.
You gave your power, your immortality, your security, your blood, your immaculate body, for me.
Protect me from the influences of the evil one, who desires that I languish in a feed of lies of the perfection of others.
Place your song of joy and love in my heart, that I will see its echoes even unto the shadows and cobwebs of my life.
Your love, Lord, is more than enough. Which makes me more than enough.
Thank you. Amen.