The Comparison Trap
From our youngest days, we are prone to compare ourselves with others. We want to know whether we measure up, whether we fit in, or even who we are. The problem is, comparison doesn’t provide clarification on any of these matters, only confusion. One of the most detrimental things we can do in this life is to compare ourselves with others.
The New Testament warns us about this: “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding” (2 Corinthians 10:12).
Comparison opens us up to several spiritual traps. First, comparison stirs discontentment in our hearts. When we compare ourselves with others we begin to covet the opportunities, relationships, and possessions of others. We begin to wonder why that person has what they have and wonder why we don’t have what they have. It’s a recipe for misery and jealousy.
Second, comparison encourages us to form our identity around ancillary aspects of our lives. When we compare ourselves with others, we begin to see ourselves as belonging to or being rejected by various groupings or classes of people. We are popular. We are privileged. We are talented. We are attractive. Or as happens more often than not, we define ourselves in terms of our lack of these characteristics. We are not as talented, popular, beautiful, or attractive as that group. Instead, Christians need to understand that we are created in the image of God and loved and redeemed by God’s Son!
Third, comparison opens us up to pride. While comparison can provoke feelings of inferiority, at other times, looking to others amplifies our view of ourselves. We can always find someone more foolish than we are. We point to someone more sinful. We tell ourselves, at least I’m not as harsh as he is or a big gossip as she is. This kind of comparison prevents us from seeing our own sin and spiritual need. Comparing ourselves with others ultimately demonstrates that we have no spiritual understanding. We forget how much we ourselves need Jesus.
Don’t fall into this trap. Stop comparing yourself to others. Evaluate yourself and your life before God—His evaluation is the only one that matters!