Goodness Gracious: 14 Unfiltered Devotions for This Sometimes-Too-Serious LifeSample

Comparison is a Disqualifier

"Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." LUKE 12:7 CSB

I ran track in high school, mainly competing in relays and sprints. I’d go to my mark, get set, and blast off with force when the gun went off. But this one particular race, I started to feel this stupid ugly monster slowly creep up on me. No, silly, I’m not referring to the runner next to me as a stupid ugly monster. That would be rude. I’m referring to the voice of comparison that tried to break my spirit as I was falling behind. You suck, Hannah. Loser with a capital L. Ew, why are you still running? Now that was rude.

I wish I could share a happy ending and tell you that I rose above it and won the race after all. Nope, negative. Comparison ate me alive. My coach knew it too, because when I crossed the finish line, her stern glare spoke volumes and scared the living daylights out of me.

Track coaches are infamous for saying, “Never look over your shoulder.” Looking to the person to your left or right slows you down, discourages, frightens, and even can cause stumbling and injury. Furthermore, if you step into someone else’s lane, you will be disqualified completely. For coaches, one thing matters most: a runner who works hard and keeps their eye on the finish line.

In life, you’re running in your own lane. However, competing and comparing yourself to others beside you is the opposite of what God intended. He crafted you and gifted you and anointed you for a lane no one else can occupy. Why disqualify yourself by shifting your eyes toward someone else’s race, or by trying to step into their lane?

Today, look up in the stands. You have a heavenly Coach who made you uniquely and magnificently, as well as an entire cheering section of family and friends who love you and are in constant awe of what God is doing through you. But if you have been guilty of comparison, take heart. The loudest cheers are always for the runner who stumbled, fell, bled, and fought to cross the finish line. Keep your eyes on Jesus despite the wounds. Your testimony of victory will result in the entire stadium erupting in praise.

Father, deliver me from comparison. May it no longer steal my joy. Thank You for making me, me. Amen.