Comparison: A Dream and Confidence Killer
“Let each person examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, and not compare himself with someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load.” Galatians 6:4-5 (CSB)
This week we explore a topic most of us don’t talk about but we all know it’s there: comparison.
Comparison is not only a dream and confidence killer, but it can diminish our calling in every way.
Let’s face it – at one time or another, we all compare ourselves to others. It’s a very human reaction. When we see someone succeed in something we would like to try, or someone just got the job we wanted, or perhaps they have the “perfect” relationship we’ve always dreamed of. The list can go on and on.
The truth is, even the healthiest version of ourselves can have a weak moment of comparison.
The problem with comparing our life with someone else is that this can often decrease our confidence to a point where we get stuck in our lives.
We lose our motivation.
We stop “showing up” for things, even when we know we should.
We tell ourselves someone else can do it better, or it’s already been done, so we don’t even try.
Or, and I’ve heard this one more times than I can count, “no one wants to hear my story or see my real life, it’s not as interesting or exciting as everyone else’s.”
If we allow it to, comparison can destroy our confidence until we shrink and doubt ourselves, holding back from doing what God has called to do!
This week, a dear friend sent me this beautiful reminder of how important encouragement and support is for each of us:
“Another woman doing what you’re doing is not your competition. She is your sister, support her. Encourage her. Believe in her.”
In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul wrote: “Don’t act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves.“ (Philippians 2:3) Let’s decide now to pray and ask for God’s light to show through us in times like this. Jesus didn’t die on a cross and overcome the grave for us only to allow comparison to steal our joy and calling.
May God always guide your path.