Break Free From Comparison a 7 Day Devotional by Anna LightSýnishorn

We often compare ourselves to others and come to the conclusion we are better than them, farther along than them, prettier, skinnier, make more money, have more followers, have a greater influence. Then we feel a sense of superiority. 

The problem with this is that superiority is rooted in pride and we know from the Bible what comes with pride. A fall.

The problem with comparing ourselves to feel superior is that there will always be someone else farther along, someone else we consider prettier, more fit, with a bigger house, more money, more followers, and more influence than us. This is why the second outcome of comparison is equally as destructive to our hearts. 

When we compare ourselves to others and we come up lacking we feel a sense of inferiority. Inferiority is rooted in insecurity. It is past the point of humility into negativity of thought, mind, and attitude. Being down on ourselves can lead to depression, anxiety, and fear. This behavior will equally trap us because it locks us in a prison of lies. 

Remember, true humility is what we’re after because true humility pleases God and brings Him glory. Imagine it like an unbalanced scale. True humility keeps us steady, not leaning too far in either direction.

Pride                                                                                                                                 Insecurity

__________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                    True Humility

Superiority                                                                                                                       Inferiority

          

To have true humility we must only use His standard as our measuring stick—and we all know how we measure up to Him. 

Romans 3:23 tells us “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” 

We don’t measure up! That’s where humility— true humility—comes in because we fall short, we can’t do it on our own. 

Imagine your life like an arrow. The archer pulls back on the bow and releases it toward a target. The target is God’s standard for our lives. The arrow flies through the air but quickly drops short of the target, not hitting the bullseye, not even hitting the target at all. That’s what the Bible means when it says we fall short.

The good news is, God in His loving grace gives us Jesus, who picks up our arrow and helps us go the rest of the way. Through Jesus, we can go the distance, but we need HIM! All of us need Him. There’s no one better. No one worse. When it comes to our worth He sees us all the same. In Him we find our true identity, and when we know who we are, we find our path and our purpose, the life He’s given us to embrace. 

True and lasting humility comes when we keep our eyes on the target, not on the other arrows.

Lord, help me to keep my eyes on you and not on what other people are doing or saying. My worth, identity and direction come from You and no one else. I desire true humility and a heart that pleases and honors you. Show me areas of my life that I’m leaning too far in pride or insecurity and bring me back into alignment with You. 

Connect with Anna at live.laugh.light.com