Comparison is the thief of joy.

We’ve all heard this before and if, like me, you’re guilty of comparing yourself to others, here is something else I hope you’ve heard:

STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS!

Easier said than done, am I right?

Comparing, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. In school, we learn to compare and contrast using methods like writing essays and drawing Venn diagrams. We read stories and compare characters. We learn new concepts and how to differentiate them. This helps us with our attention to detail and allows us to organize and remember information. 

The problem occurs when we start comparing our lives, looks, material possessions, etc. with those around us.

The problem lies with insecurity.

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14)

It’s natural to feel insecure at times. Whether we’re 9 or 89, there is always someone who seems to be one step ahead of us. They look the way we want to look. They have things we wish we had. It’s so easy to start feeling bad about our lives and dwelling on what we don’t have. 

But all of us do have something that can’t be stolen — God. Our relationship with Him. His love for us. Psalms tells us that He made each one of us with reverence. He made us unique. He made us to be light in a dark world. 

God loves the person you are. You should too.

One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:11.

For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

This verse reminds me to be happy where I am. What I have in life right at this moment is everything I need. Sure, I could look around and point out things that I want, but are they necessities? Would my life be that much better if it was exactly like my neighbor’s? 

No matter how someone might act or what we might see posted on social media, we all go through different trials and hardships. No one’s life is perfect. But God created us that we might have joy and we can’t let anyone, or anything, steal that away from us.

Comparison is the thief of joy. God is our source of joy.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.