Comparison Does No Good

If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? (1 Cor 12: 15-19)

How many times have we been guilty of comparing ourselves to others? Whether it be our talents, finances, children, jobs, what we see happening in their lives vs what is happening in ours? Once we start that road of comparison, our joy is robbed and we belittle both our purpose and contribution to the Kingdom. Such comparison is poison, a silent killer we breed in our hearts, festering jealousy and malice. Cain could not escape the grasps of envy spreading in his soul and we should not think we can either (Gen 4). What we do not recognize is that comparison ultimately says to God we are ungrateful for what He has done. Oh how many times I have had to put up blinders, stay the course and not compare? I am not saying not to look at the more experienced to learn from them, but keep tabs on your heart to ensure you maintain a humble student's heart and idolism does not brew.

God has given varying gifts to be used in His body. But it is not enough to simply know this, you must believe that what God has given you is invaluable. You must believe that what He has deposited in you is unique and to be used for the edification of the brethren. Shift your focus from people and direct it towards God. Begin to have that conversation with Him. 'What will you have me to do in Your Kingdom?' 'What have you deposited in me that You want me to share? My encouragement to you today is to keep your gaze on Him. Listen to His direction regarding your gifts and be obedient to use them.

Prayer

Lord forgive me for comparing myself to others. It is so easy to be blinded from all the goodness You have bestowed upon me. I ask now that You reveal the talents and gifts You want me to use. Remove the lies, seeds of doubt and discouragement which have crept into my heart and replace them with Your truth of value and servitude in the Kingdom. Thank you for calling me unto Yourself. Thank You for making me truly beloved in Your Son. Thank you for the gifts and may You be gloried from them. In Jesus' name. Amen.