We live in a culture of comparison. We are tempted to equate circumstances and relate to the appearance of others to our own. The key danger of comparison is establishing a false standard that we were never meant to follow or could never obtain. When we live with a comparison mentality we are not walking in grace-based relationship but a works-based view of God. Therefore, we miss out on joy and fall into an endless trap of productivity without a secure destination.

We need to minimize and overcome our culture of comparison. Here are a few keys to helping us cut out comparison.

–        Appreciate the complexity of the world. There is freedom in admitting we cannot achieve or control every accomplishment in the world. Further, God is the only one to designate circumstances and we cannot change them by comparing or complaining. We must rest in the humbling truth that there is only one God and it is not us.

–        Affirm the diversity in others. There is beauty in the fact that our world is not boring uniformity. We live in a world of various colors, shapes, and sizes. We must learn to find joy in celebrating with others their blessings, gifts, and talents while not falling into the trap of bitterness or jealousy.

–        Analyze the source of your contentment. Christ is our only standard of measurement. The death of comparison is contentment in Christ, realizing He is our only righteousness and He covers all our insecurities and inadequacies.

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You?” Psalm 73:25

“for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who give me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 

“be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5