Comparison is a Thief.

Have you ever sat next to the mom at the baseball game who made homemade granola for her kids? Maybe she washed the kids’ clothes in organic detergent? Is her hair perfectly combed and her make-up flawless? Meanwhile, you sit across the way, haggard from lost sleep, having driven on two wheels from a long day’s work, with a lap full of McDonald's for the kids’ post-game dinner. This has been me many, many times. And I often leave those situations wondering how she has it all together when I’m barely treading water. I’m often left comparing myself and all my perceived failures. There’s no joy in comparison. And where no joy is, no freedom lies.

It's hard not to fall prey to comparison – comparison of physical appearances, accomplishments, marital status, bank accounts, or children’s behaviors. Comparison is a trap. There is no end-game in comparison. It always leaves us wanting more. How can we be full of joy and content with what God has done in our lives when we are busy comparing our situation to another’s? We can’t! Comparison is leaving too many in the body of Christ bound. Comparison often instills lack, less than, and emptiness. Yet, we know our God is the One of abundant and endless supply.

So, if you find yourself struggling with comparison today, here are a few tips:

• Be grateful! Think about what Paul says in Philippians 4:11-12; he writes, “… for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” Mommas, this is the secret! May we stop and reflect on the goodness of God. If you find yourself struggling to be content, be intentional – even if it feels flippant and cliché! Write down one thing you are grateful for each day and place it in a jar or box. Be intentional. Did you get a good parking space at work? Did your child get a good grade at school? Do you have a healthy body that permits you to walk or run? Do you have clothes to wear today? Do you have a church family? Do you have peace? The blessings of God are endless. Will you choose to see them today?
• Worry about what God has put in front of you! Take a look at today’s Scripture - Galatians 6:4 . It teaches us to “stay in our lane.” We are to worry about our own work, the things we are doing in our lives, and how God is working things out for our good. Once we do this, Scripture promises us satisfaction! Learn to focus in your lane. The more you focus on your race, lane, calling, and children, the less distracted you’ll be by the blessings of others.
• Grow in confidence! We must learn to be confident in what God says about us! We can’t allow our confidence to be based on what others say about us or where we perceive that we are failing. If we do so, our confidence will be fleeting and fickle. Instead, learn what the Word of God says about you and stand firmly on that! You are equipped, chosen, free, redeemed, grace-filled, hopeful, and so much more!
• Rejoice when others are blessed! Moms, if you truly want to be free from the bondage of comparison, you must learn to rejoice when others are blessed! Rejoice in the blessings of new jobs, new babies, and new marriages – even when you are struggling or praying for your next blessing. Celebrate others’ victories. Our God is a God of more than enough!

Always remember that comparison is the thief of joy, and you are set free in Christ!

Points to Ponder:

• How often do I compare myself to others? What effect does comparison have on me? How can I retrain my thought life so that I no longer compare my life to others?