What kinds of comparisons should I avoid? - Comparisons - TouchPoints

Numbers 16:3They united against Moses and Aaron and said, “You have gone too far! The whole community of Israel has been set apart by the Lord, and he is with all of us. What right do you have to act as though you are greater than the rest of the Lord’s people?”

1 Samuel 8:20“We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.”

1 Corinthians 3:4-9When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world? After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. . . . For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field.

James 2:1-4My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

Comparing what you have with what others have is dangerous because it may cause you to miss enjoying what God has already given you and to strive for the wrong priorities in life.

1 Samuel 18:7-9This was their song: “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

2 Corinthians 10:12They are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!

Avoid comparing your accomplishments to someone else’s because it can lead to jealousy, anger, and even violence. Saul’s jealousy so consumed him that he tried to kill David. Such foolish comparison usually leads only to sinful thoughts and attitudes.

John 21:21-22Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

Avoid comparing your life situation to that of someone else; don’t risk taking your focus off of Jesus. He has a plan for you—different from the plans he has for others. Your responsibility is to do what he calls you to do and not compare that with what he calls anyone else to do.

Luke 18:11-14“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Attempting to compare the condition of your heart to that of someone else can lead to false righteousness, thinking you are better than others, and pride. On the flip side, thinking you are far worse than others can lead to deep shame, discouragement, and despair. God knows the real condition of your heart and he loves you as you are. Keep focused on him and you won’t have a need to compare.

1 Corinthians 12:14-27Yes, the body has many different parts, . . . and God has put each part just where he wants it. . . . The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. . . . If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

If you were asked to get rid of one part of your body, it would be difficult to choose. The left leg? The right arm? Your nose? Eye? Thumb? Some parts are more attractive than others, but they are all important to help you live and function as effectively as possible. In the same way, God created every person with a specific function in mind, a definite role to serve in his kingdom. Comparisons only serve to trivialize someone’s function. When you build others up and seek unity, it enhances everyone’s function in the body of Christ.