I Give Up Comparison

8th Day of Lenten Devotional Series
Guest Post by: Adam Trent, Pastor of Meadow Land Baptist Church

John 21:20-22 (NIV) Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me."

Often times, I compare myself to the lives of those around me--from family to friends, to co-workers and people I don’t even really know. My thoughts drift to what is going on in their lives, rather than focusing on the calling God has placed in mine. Like Peter, I get caught up in questioning God’s blessings and anointing on another’s life, instead of responding to His voice that beckons, “follow me.”

From the time we’re born, we seem to be graded, evaluated, compared, and contrasted. While all of us have many attributes and talents, we tend to focus on our shortcomings or faults. In turn, this leaves us feeling inadequate and often leads to jealous, judgmental thoughts of our peers. If we use society's yardstick as a rule, we'll always find some area we just don't measure up.

Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t measure us by the world or even by others. He simply asks us to follow Him, and Him alone. When we focus on that calling from the Lord, we do not have the time to compare our lives with others. God’s daily outpouring of grace and mercy is more than sufficient for us. We can not only feel whole and complete, but perfected in Him and by Him. One of the things I am giving up in this season of Lent is comparison. I will no longer compare myself to others or allow myself to be compared by others. Instead, I will focus more on God’s calling, the one that says “follow me.” I find myself reflecting on the words of the famous hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” I am created by Him, and in His likeness I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am in comparison and competition with no one.

Father, I thank you for making me exactly how you wanted me, from my size and shape to the gifts and talents you have bestowed upon me. May I always be found using them to glorify you and be kingdom-minded. As I draw closer in my walk with you this season, help me to lay down the burden of comparison. Replace it with an attitude of gratefulness, thankfulness, and joy that can only be found in you. Amen.