Monday, June 13, 2011

The Comparison Game

Frequently when I'm reflecting and soul searching, it is normal for me to look at my weaknesses and then someone will come to mind who appears to have things much more together than me and I will start down that road of comparing.

Comparing is a dangerous road to travel down.

Galatians 6:4-5, "Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load."

This is something that blogging can do to us - show us parts of others lives and who we may think they are, then we may compare or wish we were more like them.

But, it's important to remember that when God looks at me - He is not comparing me with His other creations. He knows me intimately and more truly than any other. When He looks at me - He not only sees me for me, but since I am His child - He sees His Son living in me.

When I struggle to see myself the way He does, when I think too much about how others see me - oh, I can remember He truly and deeply sees.

5 comments:

LynnMarie said...

Great post today. Women are, I think, more likely to compare ourselves to others. It's not just blogging - how many times whern our children were acting up in church I would look over to see another's child quietly sitting and compare! It is a good reminder - god see my heart and loves that, and died for that. Thanks.

Chris said...

What a wonderful reminder -- thank you! I especially love The Message translation of this:
"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this. I really needed it today!

Kristina

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

Monica, This was a really neat post ;) :) Thanks for writing this. It's so easy to com pare ourselves to others, especially as women. Maybe guys do that, too, I don't know...bu t it's so easy to do...especially when we base who we are on those extra things..job, home, stuff etc. I've been there...and it wasn't fun. Until we learn to know who we truly ARE in Christ Jesus...that is what really matters :) :) My identity is found in Jesus Christ ;) :)

Thanks for the post and the Scripture to day :) :) Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

Flannel Jammies Farm said...

Such a lovely message. I just spent 4 days at a gathering with 280 amazing women. I caught myself more than once doubting the workshop I was called to present... will it be good enough, will it be as good as the others, the other women presenting are more talented/prepared/faithful/well-known/educated/beautiful/whatever than I. But then I remembered that I was the one called to present this particular topic in this particular way from the experiences God have given to only me. And then I prayed, as always, "When I open my mouth, Your words, Lord, not mine." Comparisons faded and gratitude took over.