Game of Comparison

comparison

comparisonIt is hard for me to think of a time when there wasn’t social media. When we didn’t have to post every moment of our life. Or be constantly consumed by highlight reels and comparing our lives to others’.

I think it is safe to say we have all played the game of comparison. Believing that others have their lives more together, or wishing we had their hair, skin, body, or whatever the case may be. It can be so exhausting to the point where you wonder if you have anything good going for you.

My mom used to tell me, “Comparison is the thief of all happiness”. I never wanted to believe that, but looking back I realize that she was right.

Combatting Comparison

One realization that has helped me stop playing the comparison game is the simple truth that social media is not real life. The posts are just the highlights of someone’s life.

When you feel yourself slipping into this vicious comparison game, do your best to stop and reframe your mindset. You are beautiful and you are enough! Remind yourself that the people you see on social media are human too.  They go through ups and downs and their lives are not perfect, even if their Instagram makes it appear so.

Another thing I have found that has helped me combat a comparison mindset is reading Scripture. While reading, I stumbled across a perfect verse to keep in mind:

Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.”

We are so quick to compare our strengths and weaknesses to others. However, it is important to remember everyone is unique and different, that is what makes the world so beautiful. We are called to not be selfish of others’ strengths and to not ridicule their weaknesses, but to love and embrace them.

We are to walk in humility and not compare, because we are all imperfect people.

Week 1: Wednesday Comparing Faith

Comparing Faith 

I used to be guilty of comparing my faith to others’. And these are statements I used to let rule my life:

  1. She is a better Christian than I am.
  2. She knows more worship songs than I do.
  3. That person is better at praying out loud.
  4. They have more verses memorized than me.

I used to be the queen of comparison when it came to faith. I followed and looked up to so many women that had hearts similar to Jesus. So, I would sometimes not share my faith because I was one-third of their age and wasn’t as experienced or educated as they were.

I saw women pray without stumbling over their words and sing praise songs with their hands held high. Women who walked boldly in faith and spoke gracefully in truth. Every time I saw these things, it left me feeling like my faith wasn’t as good as theirs. I felt like I needed to have perfect faith before I could share mine with others.

I got so caught up in the exteriors and appearances of what “perfect faith” should look like that I missed opportunities to lead others to the cross.

Looking Back

I wish I could go back and tell myself that Jesus didn’t come to make perfect Christians. He came to make disciples.

If we continue to believe the lie that we are not good enough to share God’s love, then what will make us good enough? Memorizing more Bible verses? Having perfect church attendance? Knowing exactly what to pray for?

Our job as Christians isn’t to look perfect. Our job is to lead others towards God’s perfect love.

My prayer is that you walk away from this course confident in your faith and who God created you to be. But, in order to do that, you first have to take yourself out of the race. The race of being the best, most confident, and put-together Christian because Jesus already won that race. This is your relationship with God. You and Jesus.

God has you on the path you are on for a purpose. He has a specific plan and process for your life that only YOU can thrive in! Quit comparing your faith and walk in it at your own pace, as your unique and beautiful self.

 

Foundation Week One Content