Comparison: The Thief of Joy

A comparison is the act of examining two or more things to find how they are similar and different.

We are all guilty of comparing and contrasting ourselves with others. There are many root causes, but the ones I have seen—and personally experienced—are rejection, fear, and abandonment.

Scripture tells us:

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”—Galatians 6:4 NIV

This is not easy, family. Trust me, I know.

If you continue reading Galatians 6, you will see that we are called to carry our own load. That means whatever we are dealing with in life is for us to work through with the Lord.

Constantly comparing your life to someone else’s does nothing but steal your peace, distract you from your purpose, and can cause you to slip into the sin of idolatry. When we become consumed with what someone else has, we can begin to place their life, their blessings, or our own desires above God.

Wherever your heart is, that is where your worship will be (see Matthew 6:19-21)

We were all created differently for a reason. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and each of us has unique gifts. We are called to follow Christ and be faithful stewards of what He has given us—not to become jealous of our brothers and sisters, or even unbelievers, because they appear to have more than we do.

Maybe they seem to have the life you desire. Maybe they do not appear to struggle with the issues you carry. Maybe you are trying to live faithfully for God while it seems like others are prospering without doing the same.

Family, stop.

Repent.

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. Focus on what God is doing in your life, carry the load He has entrusted to you, and trust that His plan for you does not need to look like anyone else’s.

Compare Yourself to Jesus

If you must be in any form of comparison, let it be to Jesus. The one whom we are called to be like anyway.

You weren't called to be like your mother, father, sister, brother, or neighbor. You were created in the image of God and set a part. We are to check our own hearts and motives and align them up with the heart of our Lord and Savior.

Paul wrote these words in his letter to the Galatians (and to Us)to contrast a life led by God's Spirit with a life led by selfish human desires.

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/GAL.5.NIV

Fruit of the Spirit (good fruit):

• Love: Caring deeply for others without expecting anything back.

• Joy: A steady happiness that comes from God, not life events.

• Peace: A quiet and calm mind during hard times.

• Patience: The ability to wait and stay calm when things go wrong.

• Kindness: Showing care and sweetness to people.

• Goodness: Doing what is right and helpful for others.

• Faithfulness: Being loyal and steady in trust.

• Gentleness: Treating others with a soft and humble spirit.

• Self-control: Managing your own choices and desires

Jesus perfectly displayed the fruit of the Spirit because He is the source and fullest expression of all that is good, holy, and true. In His life, we see perfect love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As believers, we are called to abide in Him (to remain connected to Him) so that His character can be formed in us. We cannot produce lasting spiritual fruit through our own strength.

It is the Holy Spirit who works within us, drawing us closer to God and molding us into the image of our Savior. The more we walk with Jesus and surrender to the Spirit, the more our lives should reflect Christ to those around us and the more we stop comparing ourselves to people and things that ultimately do not matter.

Fruit of the Flesh (bad fruit) that leads to death and you will not inherit the Kingdom of God if left unrepentant.

(see Galatians 5 & Romans 8)

• Sexual Immorality: Sexual behavior outside of God’s design for purity and covenant marriage.

• Impurity & Debauchery: Unclean thoughts or actions, along with reckless, shameless indulgence in sin.

• Idolatry & Witchcraft: Placing anything above God or seeking spiritual power, guidance, or control apart from Him.

• Hatred: Deep hostility, resentment, or ill will toward others.

• Discord & Jealousy: Creating conflict and desiring what belongs to someone else.

• Fits of Rage: Uncontrolled anger that harms others through words or actions.

• Selfish Ambition: Pursuing personal success, attention, or power at the expense of others.

• Dissensions: Causing division through disagreement, strife, or a refusal to pursue peace.

• Factions & Envy: Forming exclusive groups that separate people and resenting the blessings or success of others.

• Drunkenness: Losing self-control through excessive alcohol use or intoxication.

• Orgies: Excessive, uncontrolled partying and immoral behavior without restraint.

When we compare ourselves to others, we can easily open the door to jealousy, envy, anger, selfish ambition, and division. Instead of trusting God with our own journey, we begin to resent what others have or chase things that were never meant for us.

Comparison can pull our hearts away from gratitude and obedience, causing us to seek validation, attention, or fulfillment apart from God. That is why we must guard our hearts, keep our eyes on Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in contentment and truth.

So friends I leave you with this...

Take your Joy back!

Stop worrying, stop comparing, stop contrasting.... yourself to people and things..

Focus on ways to build yourself up in the Lord. Focus on Jesus.

When you feel afraid, alone, tired, frustrated, sad, hurt, burdened.... Shift your focus on Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit- who is your comforter- to comfort you! Lead you and guide you into the path already placed for you before the foundation of this world.

Mic 🎤 drop …

We love you all and are interceding on your behalf always. Please never hesitate to email us your prayer requests.

Grab your Joy and receive your peace in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

-The Surrendered Walk🤍

Obedience over Compromise