The comparison game sucks and you will always be the loser. Christ never intended for us to live with envy or jealousy, but rather contentment and joy.
The Comparison Game Sucks
Krista Hengesh
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” – Ephesians 4:10
We have all played the game before: the comparison game. The game where you look at someone else and wish you had what they have and think your life is less because it doesn’t measure up to her Instagram feed. This “game” is exhausting, and there is never a winner, only a loser and that loser will always be you.
Uniqueness
When the Lord told us that we are “salt of the world” in Matthew 5:13, He was reminding us to use the gifts we already have and live into them; not the ones that our neighbors have. Ephesians 4:7 tells us that Christ uniquely apportioned His grace to each and every one of us, and I am a firm believer in this truth. We all have a calling and a purpose to live into, focusing on your neighbor blocks you from discovering the beautiful life waiting in front of you.
Doctor Seuss put it pretty well:
“Today you are you, that is truer than true, there is no one alive who is youer than you” – Dr. Seuss
The world will miss out if you do not live into your unique self. We need to be women who pour energy into the gifts we already have, instead of wishing for things we don’t have. This does not mean you will be as wealthy or pretty as that person, but it does mean you will walk closer to the Lord each and every day because you are looking to him for direction, not the lust of your eyes or the worldly desires of your heart.
Unity
Shifting our lens to Christ’s perspective, we will see that we are all part of one body, created to do different tasks and jobs.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” – Ephesians 4:3
As we understand unity, we will see that life is not a competition filled with jealousy but rather an orchestrated web of people who were created to live into their callings and further the Kingdom together.
When we find ourselves in the trap of comparative thoughts, it puts us in a “us versus them” mentality which is the biggest killer for unity within a body.
The Plan of Attack
The devil is not creative, he uses the lies and temptations we struggle with to derail us.
Materialism: “Don’t you wish you had that nice jacket?”
Work: “Don’t you wish you were on a beach tanning instead of in your room doing homework?”
Boys: “If only you could be a little skinnier like her then all the boys would like you.”
Money: “If only you could make as much money as that girl then you would have the income to do what you wanted.”
These thoughts are easy for him to use because they are things we think every day. Be aware of these thoughts and throw them out the moment we recognize they are not of the Lord.
“Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.“ – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Live Salted
There are things out there that you were created to do that only you can do. It is time to stop listening to the lies and thoughts in your life that are telling you YOU are not good enough because someone is better or because you do not have this or that. The Lord will equip you with whatever you need to do what He has called you to.
You were created to do great things! I pray that you believe it.
Salt yourself. Salt your abilities and gifts so you can go out there and season the world!
Live salted ladies!
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” – Matthew 5:13
Other Resources:
Want to read additional articles about comparison? Check these out!
- Today’s Christian Women: Curbing Comparison
- Christianity: The Comparison Game
- Propel Women: Doing Your Creative Best
- Propel Women: Shine Theory
Krista Breilh is the founder and executive director of Live Salted. She began her journey with Live Salted in 2016 and has been chasing after the Lord with this calling on her life ever since. Krista is currently living in Seattle, Washington with her husband and baby girl. Her passion is to bring people together while helping them recognize the potential and influence they have to give.
