James 3:16, 1 Corinthians 13:4
"There Is No Win
In Comparison"
From the first time we complain to Mom at the
family dinner table that “it’s not fair” when our sister gets a bigger slice of
dessert, we’re constantly looking to our left and to our right to see how we
measure up to those around us. Sometimes we come up short—she’s skinnier,
funnier, or smarter. Sometimes we come out on top—our house is bigger, fancier,
cleaner. But this game of comparison is a game with no winners.
When we don’t measure up, envy and jealousy take
root. Your kitchen was perfectly fine until you saw your friend’s newly
renovated one.
When comparison ends up in our favor, pride and
arrogance can trap us. She could lose the weight if she would just exercise
like you do.
But ugliest of all, comparison can trick us into
delighting in the misfortune of others. Have you ever been just a little bit
happy to hear about a friend’s breakup? Or to see a colleague at work passed
over for a promotion?
There is simply no win in comparison. It brings
envy, jealousy, pride, and arrogance. It leads us to make unwise financial
decisions just to keep up with those around us. It stains our friendships with
gossip and striving. Let’s decide today to stop playing the game of
comparison—it’s a game you simply can’t win.
TRY THIS: See how many times
you can catch yourself in the comparison trap today—maybe with co-workers, in
the carpool line, or on social media.
