THE COMPARISON TRAP
/But let each one examine her own work and then she will have rejoicing in herself alone; and not in another. (Galatians 6:4)
Where do you fall on the “comparison scale”? Do you compare yourself OFTEN, SELDOM, or RARELY EVER?
Simply because this is a huge “thing” with women, I took a poll. The ages of these gals range from 8 – 81. Consider some responses I received to the above question:
I’m discovering that I always compare myself with the women I see on social media - their families, their activities, and their appearance.
My children are not as well behaved as other children I see.
Her prayers in public are so eloquent. I wish I could pray like that.
My weight keeps me focused on “comparing ME with my WANNA-BE SELF.” No matter if it’s up or down, I always think I look fat.
Friends of mine get to go on a lot of trips, and my family rarely does.
Others’ grades are better than mine. They don’t even seem to work at it.
Her SPLIT in gymnastics is way better than MY SPLIT.
The way my house is decorated is not as “classy” as my friend’s.
I joined a program to help me get healthier by eating right and exercising. THAT WAS A POSITIVE MOVE FOR ME. But then, it turned NEGATIVE – because I started comparing myself with the well-toned bodies and coaches that I saw on social media!
Just a sampling! Did you relate to any of these comparisons?
I also tossed out another question . . . How old were you when you began comparing yourself with others?
The answers that rolled in were enlightening - revealing that most all of us began comparing ourselves with others at a very early age.
SIDE-NOTE
A “quick thought of comparison” can be positive if it spurs us on to set self-improvement goals. But quite often, we turn these thoughts in a direction that brings us down and makes us feel less-than – rather than turning the comparison into a positive experience.
Let’s consider what scripture says:
But let each one examine her own work and then she will have rejoicing in herself alone; and not in another. (Galatians 6:4)
Two words of interest here.
EXAMINE – the Greek meaning of this word in the context of Galatians 6:4 conveys the idea of analyzing or testing something to prove its worth. It’s used metaphorically and spiritually to help us discern our authenticity and value.
The ONLY way to accurately make that assessment is to look to the HEART OF GOD.
For the believer, all of the righteousness of God lives within us. Each of us personally has value because God created us and put His very breath of life within us.
If you doubt your self-value, just think through these phrases from Psalm 139 where the psalmist calls attention to God’s thoughts toward us:
Fearfully and wonderfully made
Knows when you sit or stand
Knows every thought & word on your tongue and in your mind before you think or utter it
Hedges you in – behind, before, and all around
Never a moment when He is not thinking about you
When we examine ourselves in God’s viewing point – which is the only accurate examination – then we have every reason to rejoice in who we are! There is no comparison with another; only placing OURSELVES within the heart of God and determining our value to Him.
REJOICING – This Greek word is closely related to boasting. Boasting is always a positive thing when it is boasting in the Lord. It’s negative when it is boasting in self.
So when we rejoice in who we are – we are boasting in the Lord’s handiwork of His Creation.
There is so much more to learn through diving into this COMPARISON TRAP reality.
In the meantime, focus on the truth that Comparison is truly the THIEF of your JOY!
You are a creation of God’s heart and mind, and there is much to celebrate in WHO YOU ARE.
Check our website if you would like to host an event on this topic. Bringing women together and tackling this issue head-on may just be what the ladies in your group need to help them walk victoriously in their relationships with The Lord.
Dear Father, thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Forgive me when I look to others for my validation instead of looking to YOU who made me and gave Your very life for me. Help me to truly grasp that You want a relationship with me – just as I am – not as a better or different ME. Continue to reveal Your great love for me and help me to grasp it. I commit to seeking You as I take the steps to climb out of the COMPARISON TRAP. Amen.
Victoriously Free, Cindi
www.frazzledfemale.com/blog
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