Comparing ourselves to others

Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourself to others. Assume your own responsibility. Galatians 6:4-5

Do you ever find yourself comparing yourself to others in life? At your job, on social media, or even at church? Of course you do! The devil uses comparison to divide friendships and block relationships from forming. I have witnessed this first hand in my own life. I compare my looks, my talents, and my short comings to others and usually I come out feeling sad and alone. This usually triggers an anxiety episode of, "I am not good enough to be in the praise team," or "I do not worship like them, I must be wrong."

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. Proverbs 14:30

For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 1 Corinthians 3:3

This is how the devil gets in! He breaks up friendships with the ones you compare yourself too. Jealousy seeps in and relationships are ruined, sometimes beyond repair. Praise teams can break up, church members leave... Nothing good comes out of it. So how do we shut the devil down and counteract human nature? GOD!

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ Mark 12:30

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

The next time you find yourself comparing yourself to someone else, SHUT IT DOWN! Tear that thought from your mind and ask God to help you not think that way. Review these verses, write them down. And remember that God looks at the inside of our hearts.