Day 21
Friday, March 26
The Way Through Comparison
We’ve heard it said that “comparison is the thief of joy.” Don’t we know that to be SO true? It is a trap that every single one of us has fallen prey to, and I guarantee that it has made you feel inadequate, judged, maybe even worthless. Or perhaps you’ve used that comparison to inspire you to grow! The perspective that will change everything in how comparison affects your life is “self-worth.” If you see yourself the way God sees you, it will only push you to be better. But if you see yourself through the eyes of the world and all of your imperfections, comparison will leave you feeling empty.
A perfect example of this is shown in the story of Mary and Martha, two sisters who were friends with Jesus. Read Luke 10: 38-42 (NIV).
Martha compared herself to Mary and thought that her worth and Mary’s worth were tied to what they were doing or accomplishing. Jesus leaned into the comparison by challenging Martha that they both had their purposes at this moment while also teaching a lesson about how being in His presence is more important than serving Him.
Galatians 1:10 (NIV) says, “...I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”
Know who you belong to; you’re a child of God. So only ever compare yourself to someone if you’re hoping to be challenged and inspired by them; never compare to be made to feel inadequate. The way through comparison is knowing your worth in Jesus alone.
-Sharayah Bishop
Bible Reading for the Day:
Think and Act:
1. How has comparison affected you recently? Has it been hard to see your worth in Jesus? Why or why not?
2. Find someone in your life and encourage them! By reflecting on the Love of the Father, you can help them with their battle of comparison and find their worth in Jesus.