Comparison is a killer, isn't it?
Consider the following quotes on comparison:
“Judgment…is one of the ego’s tools to foster separation through comparison.”
― Peter Santos
Judgment isn't the issue, is it? Judgment that is rooted, not in God's Word, but in comparison that chooses good and evil for itself is the issue. Mainly because most people would never naturally put themselves in the evil category, right? The gossip says at least I don't steal. The thief says at least I don't kill. The murderer says at least I'm not a religious fool...and so on it goes.
“Lack of contentment leads to comparison.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita
Though we may compare things like reference materials, contractors and bids for work, or schools, and other things in the course of life based on a particular need, we can find we measure ourselves up to others at times when we are not content, don't we? Do you find yourself looking at others measuring their achievements against your own, or their lives against yours when you are busy and satisfied doing what God has given you to do? Or is it more often in the times when you lack contentment and have more time to look around at what others have going on and how their lives look compared to yours? Contentment has a role in guarding against the killing power of comparison.
"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."
― Paul, the Apostle
Comparison also happens in ministry and at work, doesn't it? As well as in our many roles and relationships. We can end up in squabbles over authority if we aren't careful and those battles can blow up quick. The comparisons that fuel them look to who has what authority and means to boast or act and ends up with lots of arguments, bickering, and chaos. But for those in Christ, we know that our lives are rooted in God's Word including our ministry and role. We don't have to fight for authority or power. It is ours because it cannot be taken by man. Only God can give or take it away. We don't view other ministries or people as competition because God uses other people and ministries for His purposes. He even uses evil for good (Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28)!
Contentment is spiritual gold and a gracious gift of God for those who have a life marked by pursuing Him above all things (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 4:11-13; 1 Tim. 6:6-12; Prov. 14:30).
It does not come cheap, though. It is a hard battle to receive. God will force you to see all the things you love and desire over and above Him. He will force you to see where you envy others and hold idols close in your heart's grasp. And He will rip those idols from your heart's grasp one by one over time as you commit to follow Him. It will hurt, but it is worth it. It is truly a #hardthing but #wedohardthings .
Commit to pursue godliness with contentment today. Commit to keep your eyes on Jesus and celebrate others rather see them as competition or compare yourself to them, especially those in th Kingdom of God. We are all one body and one family in Christ. We want to see the Kingdom of God expand more than we want to see our ministry expand. As you see you are taking your eyes off of Jesus and instead fixing your eyes on your neighbor and their lives or blessings, confess it to God and ask forgiveness. Identify the idol (what is it you desire and do not have that you are really worshipping). Let God remove it from the throne of your heart. Refix your eyes on King Jesus.
And keep walking.
Jesus died and shed His precious blood for your forgiveness so you could keep walking with Him.
So keep walking.
May God bless your day and may you continue to grow in the knowledge of the heights and lengths and depths of His great love for you in Christ Jesus!
Your brother in Christ,
Mike Strong
OTHER RESOURCES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
BLOG: WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
BLOG: "SALVATION" ARMY
BLOG: SHOW UP FOR SURGERY
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