Comparison
A measure of growth or a thief of joy?
Beloved Friend,
How has your week been and how are you staying sane in an insane world? For me, this week has been quite insightful as I’ve found myself praying for purity of heart more than I ever have before. So much so that whenever I humbly approach Abba’s feet, I can’t seem to bring a need-based prayer before Him, despite having plenty of things to petition Him for (don’t we all?) lol.
The beautiful thing about this is that I’ve come to discover a posture of heart that I have maintained without even being aware of it. I wouldn’t have even known if the Holy hadn’t pointed it out to me. This is irrefutable proof that we all are a work in progress- 2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
This is your cue to tell me how your week went and what you’ve currently learnt.
Comparison means to look at similarities and differences between two or more things or people. This dictionary definition of comparison seems so harmless, so why then do people tag comparison “a thief of joy”? “Is it even scripture based?” “If comparison is a thief of joy why are there times where it brings gratitude and gladdens my heart?” you might wonder.
Comparison itself is not bad, as there are scenarios in the bible that talks about comparison in a positive light. In Matthew 6: 26-30, we see Jesus comparing us with the birds of the air and lilies of the field to emphasize our importance in the scheme of things. Comparing who we once were and who we are now in Christ reminds us to be grateful to God and to extend the same level of grace that God extended to us to others.
The quote “comparison is a thief of Joy” wasn’t coined from the Bible, as I’m yet to see any Bible verse, in whatever version, that says this exact words. However, it has an element of truth, and there are scenarios in the Bible where people have compared themselves and it didn’t end well. Take a look at Leah and Rachael, Cain and Abel, Joseph’s brothers and even the disciples weren’t left out as we find them arguing in Luke 22:24-27 about who would be the greatest among them.
Comparison with others done with selfish motives or misguided objectives, diverts our focus from God and the blessings He has bestowed upon us, leading us to fixate on what others have possess and their actions.
Friend, this type of comparison is something that we often engage in, whether we intend to or not. You could even catch yourself in this act and argue that it is useful in measuring growth and pointing out areas in your life that you need to work on. While this can be true, you would agree with me that this type of comparison leaves you feeling either superior—leading to pride (remember the Pharisee who thanked God he wasn’t a sinner like others)—or inferior— making you doubt God’s love for you or His goodness. Either feeling will rob you of true joy found only in Jesus Christ.
In a world where social media makes us privy to certain information about people, we suddenly feel like we have access to them and so all we see is all there is to be seen. Forgetting that people only put up the best parts of their lives, and so comparison in this regard is unrealistic. You could be grateful and super excited about a certain feat you just achieved only to see someone else who has achieved more than that and what was once a great joy leaves you feeling defeated.
2 Corinthians 10:12 “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
We all aim to be better than we are today and we are constantly searching for an instrument of measurement. However, comparing yourself to another is a very wrong way to go about it. It could make you self-conceited or deflate your joy. Our one true measure is in Christ through the Holy Spirit. His holiness is all that truly matters (2 Corinthians 3:18); He is the Spirit of truth that guides us into all truth, and He searches the heart, which is what God looks at.
Galatians 6:4-5 NIV “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
John 21:22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”
Friend, God has called each of us to follow a unique blueprint and path in life, making it impossible to idolize someone else’s journey. It’s alright to admire people but to expect that you will walk down the same path as them is not wise.
I understand that you may feel like you’re far behind and everyone else has moved unto greater things in life. This might be true in cases of delay and retrogression, but there is a mighty hand of God that moves men with great speed. When that Hand came upon Elijah, he outran King Ahab’s horse. Elijah didn’t have to prepare for a marathon before that day. His gaze was fixated on the Lord, and He caused him to do great exploits. However, in cases were you are simply waiting for the hand of God to lift you up in due time, I pray that you receive the grace to be patient and still.
It would be hypocritical of me to act like I do not know how difficult it is to keep one’s eyes single. I understand that the devil seeks to trap us through comparison, steal our joy, and divert our gaze from the Father. Remember that it is with joy that we draw from the wells of salvation. If there is no joy, how then do you draw?
Nevertheless, it is Abba’s desire that you keep your eyes on Him alone, and if He has said it, He will definitely empower you to do so.
Keep being a beacon of light, read the previous newsletter and meditate on these scriptures till I come your way again.
With thoughts of kindness,
Abba’s Shofar.