Love Your Life Not Theirsنموونە

Day 2
Habit 1: Quit the Comparisons

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11 NIV)

Comparison living is nothing new. Every generation in history has wrestled with it to one degree or another. But something has changed in the last 10 years or so—and I think it's tied to social media.

My parents' generation talked about "Keeping up with the Joneses." But back then you actually had to be within eyeshot of the Jones' new car or house to feel that urge for something nicer. These days, comparisons come with the swipe of a finger. Our phones and apps are little windows into the lives of everyone else, and they spark a comparison game that nobody wins!

To be honest, no matter what we do, where we go, or what we buy, someone will always be doing more, going further, and buying better. That's why you have to take your focus off the comparisons and put it back on the things that matter most.

Paul understood that. He was under arrest and waiting for a trial before the Roman Emperor—but he chose to keep his eyes on Christ. And that's why he could honestly say, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11 NIV). He didn't spend time comparing his situation to others. He just trusted God and moved forward.

Of course, being content is a lot easier said than done. I believe it starts with a heart of gratitude because discontentment can't survive where a grateful spirit grows. And that kind of gratitude requires a humility that appreciates our talents without losing control of our egos.

It's a tough balancing act, but the payoff is so worth it. Contentment lets you live with joy and satisfaction and produces a peace that stops anxiety dead in its tracks. Financially, it allows you to save more money and to give generously.

If you really want to love your life, you've got to get serious about the inner voices of discontentment. You've got to quit the comparisons.