Crushing Discontentmentናሙና

Today, let’s dive into the third C or cause of discontentment: we compare ourselves to others

This reason for discontentment needs little explanation because we’ve all fallen into the comparison trap.

Social media simply precipitates this “malady” as we scroll through pictures of folks on vacation in Maui or dining at a Michelin-star restaurant. But as long as we hang out in the comparison trap we’ll never be content.

I’d like to tag on one more C to this one which is we covet what others have.

God included “Do not covet” in the Ten Commandments for a reason. Those were not rules meant to stifle us. Those were laws God gave us to live the fruitful and contented life that God intended.

How do we counter comparison so we can live with contentment? Here's the third C to crush discontentment:

We can learn to put our confidence in Christ

Paul says in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Do we compare ourselves to others and feel discouraged and disappointed? Or do we base our confidence in what Christ has accomplished for us, in us, and through us? If our security is in Jesus, if our sense of identity and significance is rooted in Him, then we won’t be shaken by our circumstances.

Reflection: What might you be coveting in someone else’s life? Who or what are you comparing yourself to?

Lean In: Father, you did everything by sending Jesus to the Cross so I could be your child and revel in your love. Help me to put my confidence in You and You alone. Amen.