I have struggled with the sin of comparison on several occasions. I always depend on God’s word to bring me back to my senses. There are several verses in the Bible that remind me of my uniqueness, royal identity, and God’s plan for me. Whether we compare ourselves with others just to feel like we are better or to wish for their life is a No Go. Comparing to feel better can lead to pride. Comparing and wishing for someone else’s life can lead to covetousness.
I was thinking of how sad it would be for me to start comparing the little one with his peers while knowing fully well that he has a distinct genetic makeup, unique parents and his daily life experiences are different. In the same light, it is pathetic to get caught up in comparison. Comparison is toxic, and it affects our mental health. God created each human with unique features and abilities. He doesn’t compare us with other humans.
In fact, we have one standard- to be like the one who created us. Perhaps, all humans have unique fingerprints and footprints because God wants to show us we are special and He was deliberate in creating each one of us. We may find ourselves in similar roles but we play our roles uniquely. We can learn from others but We should not strive to be like them.
Psalm 139:14 New International Version (NIV): I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
You should know fully well that you are a master piece, a wonder, loved by God, and created for a purpose no one else can accomplish.
PS: Please don’t forget to participate in the Bible Smuggling Operation. Today is Giving Tuesday 🙂
Loved: “Perhaps, all humans have unique fingerprints and footprints because God wants to show us we are special and He was deliberate in creating each one of us.”
Thank you. ♥️
Amen ❤️ And I love what you say about fingerprints/footprints, because we are all truly unique for a divine purpose. God bless!
Amen! Thank you♥️ We can make unique impact everywhere we go and in the things we lay our hands on
amen Temi; thank you for the encouragement and the reminder to celebrate our uniqueness rather than what we seemingly lack
Amen. Thank you. Our hearts are burdened when we focus on what we lack.
amen 🙂
Absolutely sis. You know like He whispering “though evidently seen” to us: I was intentional about you. And I made no mistake!.
Such Grace. We are unique, wonderfully and fearfully fitted.
Learn from others but be you!.
Amen! We need to see ourselves through the eyes of love, wonderful in God’s eyes and set apart for great works. Yes, no man is an island of knowledge. We should learn from others but don’t try to be them. The world does not need another Joyce Meyer, they need another human who loves Jesus radically. They need Jesus in us, the hope of glory.
Yes sis. “Through the eyes of love – His graceful eyes”.
Love this!. 📝
Absolutely. Jesus should be the replica we reflect!. 💯❤
Amen!♥️
Comparison itself is not sinful. The Bible tells us to imitate our leader ( Hebrews 13:7). So, imitation requires comparison. However, we are not to compare ourselves to others as it relates judging ourselves to be less or more than the other person. I do agree that comparison can lead to pride which pride is a sin. Pride seeks to glorify the “self.” When pride rules through comparison along with that can come selfishness, jealously and envy.
We can recognize this is happening when we don’t look at others through the grace of God, but judgement and feelings of our own inferiority.
Thank you for sharing your views on the subject. I like your final statement. Galatians 6: 4-6 and 2 Corinthians 10:12 admonishes us to not compare ourselves with others. I believe I can say it is a sin since the Bible asks us to not engage in it and based on the condition of my heart when I engage in it. If I compare myself with another to emulate good behavior and celebrate their uniqueness, it’s not a bad thing. We all need someone who challenges us to aim higher. However, it becomes toxic when I compare to covet and to feel superior.
I love Hebrews 13:7, we are told to submit to authority. This is one of the most abused verses in the Church. Some parents have misinterpreted this scripture to the extent that they have allowed church leaders to rule their homes and abuse their children. I have heard several stories relating to the abuse of this verse.
We are only to submit when leaders follow Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1). Follow me as I follow Christ. We cannot do this if we focus on imitation only. Sadly, many people idolize their leaders and make them their standard instead of Jesus. What happens when these “leaders” fall into deception? I have seen Christians backslide, and became victims of sexual abuse because they were imitating leaders and submitting to authority. We are to honor our Christian leaders but we should not forget Jesus is our standard.
My hope is that readers see this post in light of who they are in Christ and celebrate their uniqueness instead of feeling inferior or superior to others.
I agree with a lot of what you said. However, if you can clarify where in the scriptures does it say or teach comparing yourself with someone else is a sin? Of course, Jesus is the Standard but the scripture teaches in Ephesians 4:11 that He (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, prophets,evangelist, pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. Now because Jesus is not physically here He set up leaders in the church for us to model and imitate after. Indeed, we must follow them as they follow Christ and if they do have a mistep or a slip up we are still called to respect the office as David respected Saul. Unfortunately, they have been leaders that have done some terrible and unbiblical things, God Himself will deal with those leaders. Their fall from grace does not give us the excuse to not imitate those leaders who “are” following Christ. Because at the end of the day we are called to submit to God’s order and to His Word. That is the message I was trying to convey.
I get the message. Thank you for the insightful comment.
If my heart condemns me for comparing myself, I will call it sin for me. My job is not to determine what is sinful for everyone if it isn’t explicitly stated. I am not a theologian, and I know that some things are not written in black and white. We understand through scriptures.
Galatians 6:4-5 New International Version (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.
2 Corinthians 10:12 New International Version (NIV)
12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
Comparison is very important if used right so you really need wisdom from God in daily basis not to misuse this comparison term became comparing create jealousy, bride etc…try to never compare yourself with others became God has plans for you and plans God has for you differ from other people so if you compare yourself with others you will faith and patience. Stay blessed and❤ you.
Thank you for the reflective comment and thanks for stopping by. God has great and unique plans for us!
Amen…😊❤
My intention is not to be agonistic. Thank you for having this healthy dialogue with me. I think we both can agree that according to scripture comparing ourselves when it’s done out of pride, envy or jealousy is a sin.
My pleasure! ♥️ Thank you for sharing your thoughts and scriptures. Yes, I agree.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post. I’ve always had this problem of comparing myself with others. But as they say “comparison is the theif of all joy”. We need to believe in ourselves. God has created us uniquely. We are wonderfully made by Him. Great post.
Thank you for the reflective comment. We need God’s help to see ourselves and others as God sees us.
Great post. It is not good to compare ourselves with others because this will lead to frustration. As you said, God created us uniquely.
Amen! Thank you for reflecting with me. Comparison leads to frustration and it is contributing to the increasing rate of depression.