DEALING WITH COMPARISON Part 2-FAITH OYEDEPO
Dear Reader,
It gladdens my heart each time I bring you good tidings from the Lord, I am convinced that this piece will speak volumes to you today and establish that exotic lifestyle God expects of you as you start putting this lesson into practice in Jesus name.
Today I bring you part 2 of the previous topic we treated Dealing with Comparison with emphasis on Dangers and Remedy for Comparison.
One of the fastest ways of discouraging yourself and getting trapped by the sin of envy is when you compare yourself to others. God has a specific plan for you and you will not accomplish that plan by looking at others. Count your blessings and not the blessings of someone else. Let God control your life. Give Satan no opportunity to discourage you from the purpose God has for you. Know that all you need is Christ. Set your mind at peace by focusing on the Lord.
DANGERS OF COMPARISON:
With the rise of social media and the internet, youths tend to move with the trends and things that seem to be in vogue by comparing themselves with the happenings in the world, leaving negative thoughts and expectations in them. For instance, you see a lady with the perfect house, husband, clothes or even eyebrows and we start scanning through their Facebook, Instagram feed or blog examining their life, and before we know it, we’re tearing ourselves apart. Even though it hurts you do it over and over again. Every time you keep saying “Wow, I wish I had her ____ “<-fill in the blank.
Look at what God’s Word says in 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Is it always wrong to compare ourselves to others? No, not if we are doing it by the right standards. When we refuse to follow God’s Word and we use the wrong comparisons, we hurt ourselves and promote the Christian life as a competition. We are NOT to compete with others. Our goal should be reaching our highest potential for God.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMPARE?
- You fail to see your blessings and you take what you have for granted.
- You may stray from the path God has for you, because of the temporary things of life.
- You are not content! The Bible says, But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith CONTENT 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (Emphasis added)
- You exchange your biblical standards for worldly ones. Then you judge yourself by these false standards, thus creating a false sense of worth. Our worth is NOT in what clothes we wear or the amount in the bank! Our worth is found in Christ! What He thinks of us is what ultimately matters. His opinion is the only one we should care about. It’s more important than what the world or even we think!
REMEDY FOR COMPARISON
There are many more examples of what happens when we compare. The point is that God says it is unwise to do so. We need to remember to be grateful and thankful to God for each day we’re given. It is truly a gift from above! Life is so short, the Bible says in James 4:14, Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Life is so short that God compares it to being a vapour! Have you ever tried to see how long it takes for vapour to vanish? Well, if you haven’t tried it, it is gone usually in the blink of an eye. We only have one life to live and God asks us to live it for Him. If you are saved, you are a child of God. You are called out of this world and therefore do not need to conform to it. He puts it this way: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).
How wonderful it is that we need not compare! You can be rest assured that the things of this world are vain and don’t deserve our thoughts. Next time you find yourself comparing, remember that true success is not about who is better, but about becoming our personal best so we can be used of God. Do you want to be used of God and make a better life? you need to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal saviour. If you have made this decision make this prayer of faith:
Father, I realise that I have been a sinner. Today I believe you died and rose on the third day redeeming me from all my sins. Now I accept lord save me and accept me as your child, write my name in the book of like. Thank you, Father, for saving me in Jesus’ Name.
Congratulations You are now a child of God and have been connected to the all-sufficient grace of God that never runs dry in Jesus Name Amen. You can call or write and share your testimonies with me via [email protected] or 07026385437 and 08141320204.
To get more understanding on the subject above, these books authored by me are available at Dominion Bookstore in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian Bookstores: Success in Marriage, Making Marriage Work and Single with a Difference.
source: faithoyedepo.org