It starts with a thought.......
- How come they?
- How did he?
- I feel like they...
- They think they are all that!
The trap of comparison is set subtly within the confines of our own minds. It begins with an unsettled disposition within ourselves in which we question our worth, value, abilities, and situations. The thoughts and feelings of inadequacy linger so much that ultimately the thoughts become an element of entrapment.
Many times innocently and unknowingly to us, we are blind to this trap, and clueless as to how to escape. At the same time we isolate ourselves because we fear that others might see us how we see ourselves.. In the entrapment we observe the lives of others, we see what appears to be someone who's life seems so much better, whose children seem happier, and whose house seems bigger.
As a result when we are in their presence, silently we begin to reason within our minds that because they appear to be happy and living well, that they feel they are better than us and we feel it is our job to classify them and misinterpret their words and actions, imagining them as a threat to us.
Scripture shares with us a similar situation through the lives of David and Saul. Saul at this point in his life has failed as king and the lord has chosen David to be the next king in his place. Although David behaves honestly and honorably towards Saul. Saul cannot overcome the thoughts of jealousy and comparison.
1 Samuel 18: (After David killed Goliath)
7 So the women sang as they danced, and said:
“Saul has slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands.”
8 Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 So Saul eyed David from that day forward.
Saul would spend the rest of his life trying to destroy David all the while never finding healing for the feelings of inadequacy in his own life.... This ladies and gentlemen, is the pit of comparison. Saul was a KING, but because he could not manage the feelings of inadequacy that troubled him, he spent the remainder of his days trapped, oppressed, and depressed. In addition what he did have was taken from him....
Closing Thought: Maybe today you are like Saul, struggling with feelings of worthlessness or lack of value. Maybe you see others around you and they appear like everything is going well for you while you are experiencing little to know movement. If that is you, I want to encourage you to find a pastor, mentor, trust friend or advisor and share what you are feeling.
Do not allow the enemy to keep you in isolation with unchecked thoughts about your family and friends, living in the realm of a secret competition that only exist in your own mind. Confess those thoughts to a brother or sister in Christ. Trust that God has a purpose and plan for you and has given you an assignment specific to YOU and YOU alone. You no longer have to compare and view those around you as a threat or competition. Be released.... Be free.... Be you!
Sincerely,
Justin