No Comparison

No Comparison

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

Galatians 6:4 (THE MESSAGE)

One thing that gets us into a lot of trouble is comparing ourselves with others. When we do this, we either come up short, or we end up thinking we are better than others and become prideful. Comparison brings on unnecessary worries and fear. It can also cause us to disassociate ourselves from others. It builds stumbling blocks within our hearts and within our communities.

One stumbling block had been that many Old Order communities viewed Pinecraft [Florida] as part of the technologically progressive New Order Amish. Members ride two- or three-wheel bicycles instead of horses and carriages, and they worship in a meetinghouse instead of members’ homes. More significantly, these “liberal” Amish have electricity and telephones in their Florida homes, and most have air conditioning and microwaves. And if that isn’t enough, many men, single and married, routinely stroll or bicycle around Pinecraft without a hat, an omission that in most communities would at least raise eyebrows, if not prompt severe criticism.

Bishops fear that exposure to such luxuries, conveniences, and examples may cause not only young people but baptized members to return home dissatisfied with kerosene lanterns and antiquated ways. Finally, the bishops ask, how will young people ever learn to develop a respect for hard work, simplicity, and self-denial when they daily observe Amish elders wasting time at shuffleboard, checkers, and even golf? What kind of example is that, they wonder.

One thing that can combat comparisons is being thankful for what you have and choosing to be content in all things.

Do comparisons fill you with worry and uncertainty? Take them to God, and focus on Him. He will help you do the creative best with your life. And it’s then you’ll find peace.

Dear heavenly Father, help me to keep my eyes focused on You. May the only comparison in my heart be between where I was before I followed You and where I am now. May this comparison always fill me with thankfulness!