Compassion & Careনমুনা

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Teddy Roosevelt

I see this little quote all over social media. Considering that we live in a world that breeds comparison and discontent, applying this phrase comes up again and again, is kind of easier said than done.

Social media can be both good and bad, as with all things. But as we delve deeper and deeper into the age of internet and connectivity, especially on a social level, it becomes abundantly clear that the more connected we are (and I’m talking superficially connected, with our highlight reels out for the world to see and our bad days buried somewhere where we hope they will never see the light of day), the more we tend to compare ourselves – our whole selves – to the parts of others that we have elected to be connected with; to the parts we can see. 

When we look at it from that perspective, the fact that we are taking a complex view of our full selves and putting it up against our simple view of others, it is highly likely that we are going to come up short every single time. Unless we view ourselves as a creation of God with our own gifts and talents that have been ordained and called forth by the Creator of the Universe, we will struggle to live up to our true potential. If we continually look at ourselves and then look at others and say, “I want what they have”, we will exchange our joy and contentment for feelings of discontent and restlessness because we may start to believe that we are undeserving of anything good. 

So, what is the cure? 

Gratefulness is definitely a great start. Gratitude evens the playing field. It brings us the perspective that we need to understand that God has done a masterful job designing us to be who He can delight in. It brings into focus that we can appreciate the talents and abilities of others and cheer them on because we know that He has the ability to bring good things our way. We know that He can use us for His glory just as He has done in the lives of others. That is where we find our joy and our contentment. 

Galatians 6:4-5 says it this way; “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” 

Declare this: I do not need to compare myself to others because I am fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator of the Universe. I will focus on the blessings of God in my life, trusting that God is leading me where I need to go and do in order to use me for His glory.