I have heard it said, "Just because she's pretty, doesn't mean you're not."
If there is one thing that we all struggle with, my best bet would be that it is constant comparison. We compare ourselves to others every single day. It's such a bad habit and a natural thing for us to do that sometimes we don't even realize that we are doing it.
I constantly find myself comparing my size and shape to other girls around me or to their pictures on social media; I compare how many followers I have or likes I get on a picture that I put on Instagram. I compare the clothes I wear; I compare my GPA and my grades with other people in my class, and the list could go on and on.
It can be so incredibly easy to get caught in the trap of comparing yourself to other people. This can be a dangerous thing for two reasons. The first being that we can get so caught up in appearances and how we look that we can end up placing our value and self-worth in it. We want to make sure that we look like we have it all together, even when we actually don't. The second reason that comparing ourselves to others is dangerous is because it can lead to the sins of envy and jealousy.
Proverbs 14:30 says, "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot."
1 Corinthians 3:3 says, "For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?"
When we compare ourselves to others, we belittle our attributes, talents, beauty, and worth. However, it is a "go to" instinct for us because we are subject to the conditions of a naturally sinful world; it's in our nature. It can be a really hard habit to break and that's why it is so easy for us to conform to the patterns of this world. But that's not what we are called to do.
With this all being said you may be wondering, "Alright Lauren, so I understand that being jealous and comparing myself to someone else is a bad thing. I get that. But how am I supposed to overcome this when everyone does it and it's in my nature?"
Well, I am glad you asked.
First, if you have to compare yourself to somebody, try comparing yourself to Christ.
Galatians 1:10 says, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?"
Our ultimate goal as Christians is to become more like Christ, so if you compare yourselves to and focus on His characteristics and perfection, it will ultimately help you strive to become more like Him.
Next, realize that God made each of us with a specific and individual purpose in mind.
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 says this, “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”
We were all created with different talents that we are able to use for the glory of God.One of my favorite verses, Jeremiah 29:11 says this,"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."
Just as I have a different purpose than my sister or friends, each of you has a different purpose than those close to you. We shouldn't be comparing ourselves because God made us who we are for a reason! There is no one else on this planet that is like you or will do the things that He has planned for you to do. He made your plans specifically for you. Why compare yourself to someone who has a completely different purpose than what you were created for? It's like comparing apples with oranges.
And finally, be content.
When I say this, I don't mean that you should stop growing in Him or stop trying to better yourself. I just mean be content with the talents, looks, and purpose He has given you. Don't envy those around you because you think that they have "something better". God made you the way that you look and knew you before you were in your mother's womb. You are His masterpiece, so don't destroy yourself by comparing what you have to what someone else has.
In Psalm 23:1, David writes, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."
As long as you walk with and trust in the Lord, He is all you need. He will take care of your every need and will guide you. You don't need to concern yourself with how you look or what others think of you. Just walk with Him and He will take care of you.
Like I said, I know that this is a very hard habit to break, but with these tips and strength from the Lord, know that it can be done! Comparison can be a huge burden to carry, so don't get caught in the trap of comparison. Know who you are in Christ, and walk confidently with Him because you are His masterpiece.
