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."
When we are young, we compare ourselves with others frequently. Can I just say, "Some of us never outgrow this." Talking to people is part of my calling as well as my profession. I like to help people in all areas of their lives. One helpful tip is when you feel the urge to compare, compliment instead. You think someones car, house, hair, makeup, book bag, whatever is better, bigger, brighter than yours? Then, tell them how great you think it is. Don't stew over the fact you don't have what others have, instead sow a seed of gratefulness they do. We can never go wrong being a blessing to others.
There are times it is simply unfair to compare, as well as being just plain wrong. One area, I see this is in frequently is the area of spiritual maturity. Look we all grow at different rates. We enter into the Kingdom of God with different gene pools, just like in the natural. We have different parents, different appetites, gifts and callings. What one person may excel in, another person may struggle, but they will totally ace everyone in a different area.
If you are a woman and want to learn more about being the best version of who God called you to be see the information below in red and register today. It doesn't matter what church you attend or if your a college graduate or a dropout! There is always room for improvement and growth.
If you are a woman and want to learn more about being the best version of who God called you to be see the information below in red and register today. It doesn't matter what church you attend or if your a college graduate or a dropout! There is always room for improvement and growth.
Comparing ourselves with others is like comparing apples and oranges. They aren't even close in their composition or purposes, so why should we compare them? Why don't we just enjoy them both? God made them both. God made them different. It's easy to see what I am saying with the orange and the apple, but so difficult when we look at our brothers and sisters. Why? Because we think, we should be more like them, or they should be more like us. In actuality, we are telling God, "You messed up God. You made a mistake. You're not good enough. I could have done better." Oh, we don't say it like that, but we're saying it all the same. Instead, let's renew our mind with the scriptures I have listed below, and remember we aren't anyone else we are exactly who God made, and He made us on purpose...for a purpose.
James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Proverbs 14:30
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,
but envy makes the bones rot.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
We don’t live for people
Philippians 2:3
Don’t act out of selfish ambition or be conceited.
Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves.
Galatians 1:10
Am I saying this now to win the approval of people or God?
Am I trying to please people?
If I were still trying to please people,
I would not be Christ’s servant.
Isaiah 2:22
Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath,
for of what account is he?
Give God your all
Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind
and with all your strength.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be content
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,
for we brought nothing into the world,
and we cannot take anything out of the world.
But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
Psalm 23:1
A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
Be grateful in all situations
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Whatever happens, give thanks,
because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.
Psalm 136:1-2
Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his mercy endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods because his mercy endures forever.
Compare yourself to Christ instead so you can be more like Him
2 Corinthians 10:17
As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
That way you can live out God’s will for your life
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,
” declares the LORD, “
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 138:8
The LORD will work out his plans for my life–for your faithful love,
O LORD, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me,
for you made me.
Advice
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves,
to see whether you are in the faith.
Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves,
that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Reminder
Psalm 139:14
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Proverbs 14:30
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,
but envy makes the bones rot.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
We don’t live for people
Philippians 2:3
Don’t act out of selfish ambition or be conceited.
Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves.
Galatians 1:10
Am I saying this now to win the approval of people or God?
Am I trying to please people?
If I were still trying to please people,
I would not be Christ’s servant.
Isaiah 2:22
Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath,
for of what account is he?
Give God your all
Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind
and with all your strength.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be content
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,
for we brought nothing into the world,
and we cannot take anything out of the world.
But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
Psalm 23:1
A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
Be grateful in all situations
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Whatever happens, give thanks,
because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.
Psalm 136:1-2
Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his mercy endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods because his mercy endures forever.
Compare yourself to Christ instead so you can be more like Him
2 Corinthians 10:17
As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
That way you can live out God’s will for your life
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,
” declares the LORD, “
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 138:8
The LORD will work out his plans for my life–for your faithful love,
O LORD, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me,
for you made me.
Advice
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves,
to see whether you are in the faith.
Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves,
that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Reminder
Psalm 139:14
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
ACTION STEP: Read the above scriptures over to yourself. Then read them out loud. I challenge you to compliment the next person you are tempted to compare yourself. Tell that person what you love about them, their life, their looks, their stuff. Come on now! You got this! God's got you! It is really a great life we get to live!
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