The danger of comparing yourself to others

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”— Hebrews 13:5

A farm boy got a white football. He was kicking it back and forth across his yard, when it accidentally went off the side of his foot and into the neighbor’s yard. Worried he’d get in trouble for losing his gift, he ran back inside and didn’t tell a soul about the ball.

The farmer next door was feeding his chickens when he saw the ball fly over the fence and into his yard. When he looked over to see where it came from, all he saw was one of his neighbor’s hens. So he told his chickens, “Now I don’t want you to think I’m complaining, but just look at the eggs they’re making next door!”

It’s easy to fall into the trap of always comparing ourselves to others. So often, people judge themselves based upon how everyone else is doing. They see others’ success and think, “I work hard. I deserve that, too!”

This “keeping up with the Joneses” attitude has become so prevalent today because people judge their significance on how much they have. But it’s the exact opposite mind-set God wants us to have. He wants us to be content with His blessings today, not always looking for more.

Rest in God’s blessings today, giving Him thanks for all He’s done for you and not comparing yourself to others.

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to give you contentment for His blessings in your life today.

Questions for thought

How have you coveted things that others have? How did it make you feel that you didn’t have it?

What are some blessings in your life today for which you can be thankful?