The Burden Is Light Sample

Snare for the Soul

Comparison is the root of most of the misery we feel in life. It is an absolute snare for the soul.

Consider what comparison does to our view of others. First, when we com­pare ourselves with those we perceive to be better than we are, we feel inferior and insecure. Whenever we see those people, they become reminders that we don’t have what it takes. We feel we must toil and strive to keep up.

Comparison also has a flip side. When we compare ourselves with people we perceive to be inferior to us, we have a sense of superiority. The people around us become constant reminders of how good we are, and judgment and pride creep in.

That’s why comparing ourselves to others makes it impossible for us to love deeply in community. As followers of Jesus, we are called to lives of sacrificial love, but it’s impossible to give our hearts and lives away when we allow others to determine our worth. Compari­son is the enemy of compassion.

What would happen to your confidence, joy, peace, and contentment if you began to live out of the staggering truths that you are accepted, secure, and significant because of God’s love for you? What if you stopped measuring yourself by what you see on social media and let God’s truth about you shape your path instead?

It would be hard at first. We so often feel that we are falling behind others. But a fast from comparison and a feast on biblical identity could move your life into a place of freedom and delight. You would be more present to those you love and begin to notice things happening around you. You would be able to celebrate the success of others and delight in their favor rather than feeling like you were being overlooked or diminished in some way. Your envy would melt into love as you realize you are on the same team and seeking the same goal, and you wouldn’t perceive others as a threat. You may even find you are being liberated from the tyranny of comparison in your life. 

How does comparing yourself negatively to others keep you from living with joy? How does comparing yourself favorably to others keep you from showing compassion?