Devotions Random Thoughts

Comparison: the thief of joy

Happy new year! ‘Tis the season for new beginnings, second chances, and goal setting! Over the next few weeks we may all see social media posts about our friends’ lives; how they have been going, and the great plans they have for the new year. While there is nothing wrong with sharing updates about your life, it is important to give God credit for all good things, (James 1:17) and equally as important to remember we are each on our own path in the will of God. Be careful not to compare your circumstances with someone else’s and find yourself ahead or lacking in some area. Pride is a tricky thing, and the devil can make us miserable with that tool alone! The Lord also can make us humble very quickly if we get “too big for our britches”.

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.

2 Corinthians 10:12

The Bible tells us when we compare ourselves to others we are not wise. Our rule for comparing our life and measuring ourselves up should always be the Bible. When we find ourselves lacking, it should always be because we have compared our lives to the life of Christ, or the commandments of scripture. The truth is none of us would be what we are without the grace of God. We have done nothing to earn his favor and the blessings he so graciously provides.

But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

2 Corinthians 10:17-18

As you make your “New Years resolutions” this year, and desire to make changes in your life, make sure you are allowing the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to guide you. Be wise, follow His guidance and don’t be fooled by the thoughts that someone else has it better or easier than you. We should all be trying to live up to God’s standards, and if that is the case we will all fall short. But thanks be to God that even while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, and made a way for us to be saved and to give us life more abundantly! (Romans 5:8, John 10:10)

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3 Comments

  1. Sylvia Thompson says:

    Not getting the emails, may be I’m doing something wrong.

    1. Kristin Pruitt says:

      Go to the bottom of the home page and put in your email address and click subscribe- it should work. Then just make sure to check spam and junk folders. ❤️

  2. Delle Vicent says:

    Good reminder! Comparison is similar to competition; if it gets out of hand, God won’t get the glory, and therein lies sin. Thanks, Kristen

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