Death by Comparison
Have you ever heard of the saying that comparison is the killer of joy? What if I told you that there freedom is in your authenticity and bondage in comparison? Let us explore why its better to be yourself and how comparison will have you detest the perfect plan God has designed for you.
I really don't think people know how fabulous they really are? That they are "wonderfully and fearfully made" as the Bible states. What can distract us from thinking this way and embracing our "fabulousness" is comparing our lives to others, comparing our looks to others, comparing what we do to others. Definitely sucks the life out of what God has breathed into us. That is why it is so important while children are growing up that their differences are embraced. That they are not molded to go down a path that was not intended for them or to compare them with other children. The comparison then breeds competition with others. I know some may argue with the phrase that there is such thing as healthy competition, but I would have to beg to differ slightly. If two people or a group are whole and confident in who they are then competition for the sake of fun only, such as a friendly game of any sort of sport or activity would be acceptable. But is this truly realistic? It is rare to find a large group of people truly confident in themselves without putting on a front. So that is why I don't so much agree with friendly competition unless those variables apply. Listen, if you know me well enough, I don't even like to play games...like, board games, card games etc. It just takes up too much mind space for me that I can use for something else.....
Anywho!
The reason for this post is because I wanted to dissect one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artist...do I have to say his name? You all should know by now....yes its Jonny again! Jonathan McReynolds (lol) The song is entitled " Comparison Kills"
Here are the lyrics:
I can only speak for my world Where almost everyone has what they need Other nations live with sickness But over here we die from jealously
'Cause it makes you chase what's not meant to be chased 'Cause you've possessed it all along It comes to steal And hide what is real Comparison kills
Mmmmmm
You spend all night admiring pictures They make life look perfect as they should But you don't know the picture's story And how long it took to make it good
It makes you consider shoes you don't like But when that shoe doesn't fit Wear what you will Despite how they feel Comparison kills
The grass was fine Until it looked greener on the other side Now you're believing that you fell behind But why try to match what should be one of a kind You're one of a kind
We all want to be successful And get mad when God's not in a rush Waste your time just making copies You'll see you did not accomplish much
Pressure gets hot And with heat come mirages So you think it's cool over there Your thirst is real But water can't fill What comparison kills
He feels what you feel So ask God to heal What comparison kills
Can I be indulgent like a songwriter? Can I say one more line one more time?
Pressure gets hot And with heat come mirages So you think it's cool over there Your thirst is real But water can't fill What comparison kills
Powerful lyrics right?! What a trick of the enemy to have you looking here, there, and everywhere when all that you need to succeed for your life and to help others is already inside of you. Are you aware that when you do come to Jesus, you are complete in Him? It is only the devil that will tell you other wise. For example, look at what happened when Jesus in the wilderness of Judea and was tempted?
Matthew 4:8-10 states:
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.
Now if Jesus was insecure in who He was, he would have did anything to obtain it. We have to be careful to not get ensnared by this type of trap. We have to be secure in Christ so that comparison does not kill what God has started in us from the beginning.
Paul stated it so well in Philippians 2:2-4,
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Its a great thing to be inspired by someone, but never lessen yourself or feel that God has nothing special in store for your destiny. The plan God has for your life is great and it fits perfectly in God's will.
God Bless