If only I could write like so-and-so does. Oh, and this other person is extremely gifted in drawing. Why can’t I be popular and outgoing like my other friends?
Comparison clouds the heart. It saps the joy right out of you.
God has woven a unique set of skills into the core of each one of us. You are incredibly gifted in ways I could never be–and vice versa. But if I compare my life to yours or you compare your life to mine, we will both end up feeling defeated.
Guaranteed. Every. single. time.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Theodore Roosevelt
What a thief it is: corroding our contentment, bruising the tender places of our heart, and paralyzing our potential.
Perhaps even now you are counting the smarting scars this thief has left on your own life and questioning, “Yes, but how do I stop analyzing my life or talents or looks against others?”
In our longings to be liked and loved by others, I think it will always be part of the long standing war between our flesh and our spirit; however, here are three things I’ve found helpful:
1. Use wisdom.
The stinging backlash of comparison makes us realize deeper than ever before that it simply isn’t wise to do it. “…but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Cor. 10:12b).
2. Rejoice in who God made you to be.
Your personality, talents, sense of humor, favorite season, height, introversion or extroversion–everything about you is hand-crafted by God. He knit your inmost being together in your mother’s womb. He knows your frame. It is vital to let your mind resonate and rejoice in this truth. Praise the Lord for it! (Psalm 139)
3. Make the most of your giftings.
Instead of focusing on the skills that you don’t have, sharpen the ones you are blessed with. Find an outlet that suits your specific talents and go for it! Maybe you are an artist, or singer, or runner, or writer. Put your heart into it and become better and better.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” — Ecclesiastes 9:10
Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section!
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This was a beautiful article and resonated deeply with me. My friend and I just read while sitting in a coffee shop 🙂 Thank you for writing this!
Oh, I’m so glad Emma. What a true blessing that you both were able to be encouraged by this. I’m thankful the Lord is helping me to learn to fight comparison–it’s a daily battle!–and to share ways to do that with others. 🙂
Wonderful piece, Moriah. Thank you!
I love this. I struggle with comparing myself to others, so this is a wonderful reminder! Thank you so much! 🙂
Thank you, Sara! It’s always nice to know we are not in the struggle of comparison alone as we strive to have victory over this on Christ. Thanks for reading. 🙂
Yes, it is! 🙂 And my pleasure…I always love to read great articles! 🙂
This is great, Moriah! You’re a clear and gifted writer. I love the three simple steps to help us reframe how we think about ourselves and others.
Another discipline I’ve found liberating is asking God for the ability to be genuinely thankful for the gifts He’s given others. I can’t thank God for the gifts He’s given others and be jealous of them at the same time. Yes, God wants me to be confident in who He’s made me. He also wants me to be thankful for who He’s made others.
Also, I love that 2 Corinthians 10:12 verse. Thanks!!
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement, Camden! And that is an excellent point about asking God for a genuine thankfulness for the way He has gifted others. So helpful. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
These two lines (What a thief it is: corroding our contentment, bruising the tender places of our heart, and paralyzing our potential. Perhaps even now you are counting the smarting scars this thief has left on your own life and questioning, “Yes, but how do I stop analyzing my life or talents or looks against others?”) are 🔥🔥🔥. Such a beautiful piece, Moriah!
You are so sweet, Jaquelle. This encouragement definitely put a smile on my face! Thank you. 🙂 But, of course I’m blessed to be able to learn from you. I don’t think this would have been published today if it wasn’t for YWW. 😉 It is exciting to be able to learn and grow and explore new horizons as a writer.
I needed this so much Moriah! Thank you so much for writing! Fantastic article! 🙂
Wonderfully put! 🙂 I very much enjoyed this!
This was wonderful truth! It really encouraged me!
Thank you for this! One of my biggest struggles is comparison. And your words have brought me so much encouragement!
Recently I began my very own blog. I was excited. But, ever since, the enemy has planted this lie in my head: ‘Don’t write. Someone else can write that same message so much better than you. Your writing has no impact.’
Your piece has reminded me that God has already equipped me with the exact words someone somewhere needs to hear. He has given me the exact talents I need to help build His kingdom here on earth.
So, thanks again! 🙂
You don’t know how joyful this comment made my heart! So wonderful to hear, Faye. Blessings on your new blogging venture as you serve the Lord with your words. 🙂
Aww…thanks for reading and commenting Emma! 😀
What a blessing. Thanks, Sara. 🙂
Great!! Rejoicing to be able to share the lessons I have learned during struggle to combat comparison. It’s a special privilege, a gift from the Lord! Thanks for reading. 🙂
Such an awesome reminder! Thanks for this article, it was definitely needed. 😀
You are welcome! Glad it was a blessing to you. Thanks for reading. 🙂
I really, really, needed this today! Thank you so much for writing this gem of an article… May I re-blog this?
https://thenarrowroadforteens.wordpress.com/
These are such good reminders, Moriah! Thank you for sharing! I needed to hear this. Comparison is such a deadly trap that the enemy tries to snare us into.
Thank you, Bekah! 🙂 I ran re-blogging it by Jaquelle, and she said they prefer for people to post an excerpt, then direct readers to theReb to finish the rest. That’s what I did on my blog as well. I feel so honored. Thanks for wanting to share! Blessings 🙂
Yes, you said it perfectly! Comparison is definitely a deadly trap. Thanks for reading and commenting, Kaitlyn. 🙂
Hey Moriah!
Thanks for replying, and as requested, here is the link! 🙂
https://thenarrowroadforteens.wordpress.com/
Yay! Thanks 🙂
Thank you for these wonderful reminders, Moriah! I have been struggling with comparison lately, and needed to hear this. 🙂
Your comment encouraged my heart, Savannah! Yes, comparison is so easy to get caught up in. I’m right there with you in the struggle to victory over it by rejoicing in how Christ has designed us to be. 🙂
Hey, really liked what you said. I definitely have been just really pondering this a lot lately. It’s gone from me wanting things (good things) to coveting to being jealous, and all those aren’t doing any good for anyone. Discontentment has been upon me like a plague when I have so much to be thankful for. And I too came to the realization that I should just love Jesus and use my gifts, being faithful where I am, rather than fantasizing about where I’m not.
“Comparison clouds the heart. It saps the joy right out of you.” – Moriah Simonowich
Love that quote.
Thanks for sharing. xx
Glad it was a blessing and that the Lord has been teaching you how to over come comparison too! Thanks for reading, Collins.
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