Comparison: The Root of All Discontent
Deacon Donald Barksdale
"12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us" (2 Cor 10:12-13)
Do you compare your life, your home, your car, or even your kids to others? Do you find yourself in a bad emotional state from comparison and envy? Our assignment from God does not include comparing ourselves or what we have to other people. When we take our eyes off of Christ, we begin to look to the world and others for validation and satisfaction. (1 Peter 2:15-17)
Yes, it is a challenge to not compare ourselves in the age of social media and "reality tv" and the lives people portray. It could be easy to become unhappy when we feel we don't measure up to what we perceive others to have. Much of what we see in others is only what they want us to see (which is in their best light). Many times the grass is not greener on the other side, no matter how green it looks.
In order to walk in our true purpose, we must lose focus on what everyone else is doing and focus more on fulfilling our destiny. The more we focus on us, the further we distance ourselves from discontent; and we get closer to fulfilling our assignment, increasing with overwhelming joy.
"But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." (Gal 6:4)