The famous phrase that were using as today’s title for this blog is actually credited to former US president Theodore Roosevelt but when we look to scripture, the underlying concept of this phrase fills the pages of the Old and New Testaments. So what does the Bible say about comparison… it warns us against measuring our worth, success or spiritual standing against other people? We might also look at the following scripture to magnify the thought just a little bit..

Galatians 6:4-5 NIV

4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else…5 for each one should carry their own load.

Scripture encourages us to focus on our own path. We’re instructed as believers to our own actions and take pride in the work we have done rather than comparing ourselves to someone else. We can look to proverbs 14:30. When we look at what others have or achieve and feel slighted, we move from healthy reflection into just plain old destructive jealousy. So we have to answer the questions. How does comparison destroy joy? Well for one thing it distracts us from our purpose looking sideways are looking to another persons calling blinds us to the unique mission that God has called us to do measuring what we’re doing against someone else’s mission, self-doubt, and can even bring us despair. One of the biggest things that it can do and often does is is cause us to misjudge God’s goodness. Comparison itself turns toxic when we are tricked into evaluating God’s goodness based on what he gave to someone else instead of recognizing the blessings in our own lives.

Instead of comparison, the Bible direct towards gratitude, contentment, and the joy that’s rooted in our faith and belief in Jesus Christ. In Philippians 4:11–12 Paul shares the fact that he has learned the secret of being content in every situation with welfare or hunger or living in plenty or want. God made us all and everything within us he handcrafted our very being, which simply means that our lives, talents and limits are wonderfully made for his purpose. Rather than envy or competing with neighbors we are reminded in Romans 12:15 to assume posture of love…we need to learn to “rejoice with those who rejoice; and mourn with those who mourn.”

Not really a whole lot more that we can write here without being repetitive. Comparison does destroy the joy of what God has given us to do and who we are. There may come a time in our life when we just really don’t realize what it is that God has given us to do, but discovering that through prayer and direction of our faith, we will experience a joy for greater than anything we’ve ever known. Have a good week….

Life is Good

jk