The Dangerous Side of Comparison: A Christian Perspective
They appear to have it all together. If I had the gifts that she does, I would be able to do more. Why do things appear to be coming in order for her, meanwhile I find myself stumbling.
These are the thoughts that plague the heart that has indulged in the ugly side of comparison. You may see another individual moving forward at a seemingly faster pace than you are. Or perhaps you see the doors opening for them in your “dream job” or another aspect of their life that overlaps with your dearest desires.
Regardless of the circumstances that surround us, most of us have fallen into the of comparison. Thus, there comes a necessity to discuss what comparison truly is, how it has the potential to plague the human heart, and God’s design for how we approach this very important topic.
What is Comparison?
Comparison has two distinct sides, both of which are imperative for our understanding. It has the potential to inspire and motivate an individual towards the path they ought to go. A healthy conception of comparison can allow us to admire an individual who has lived a profound life and cause us to make radical, God-honoring changes in our own life.
We see this concept uncovered in Scripture. In the instruction for the early church, the older women are encouraged to teach the younger women (Titus 2:4-5). In addition, Proverbs states that we ought to learn from others, as “iron sharpens iron” (Prov. 27:17).
However, comparison also has a dangerous side, one which has the potential to diminish our God-given significance.
When we engage with this type of comparison, we turn away from the larger picture and put the focus on ourselves and the other individual. Comparison demands that we pay more attention to our works rather than to our purpose. We compare the progress or giftings of another person with our own, negating our gratitude for how God has crafted the other person and us uniquely.
What Scripture Says
However, there is a higher path than the road of comparison. The Bible paints a new way for the children of God to take. We see this outlined in two distinct passages.
The first is with John the Baptist. He was called to pave the way for Jesus Christ. While he was busy working in what he had been called to do or doing his portion for the kingdom, his disciples informed him that someone else was baptizing others, and as a result, more people were going to Him.
26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:26-30).
First, it is interesting to note John’s disciple’s emphasis on numbers: “everyone is going to him.” As leaders of the church, if the emphasis is on the number of people coming through the doors, there leaves little room for cultivating authentic disciples. Sure, it would be great for many people to hear the gospel, but that is ultimately not up to us. Our job is to simply do God’s will, or do what is right in front of us, and leave the results to the workings of the Holy Spirit.
Second, notice John’s response. He could have turned his attention away from his call and focused instead on the labor of his ministry, but he did not.
Rather than having the focus on comparison of any kind, John had his attention on his purpose. He knew in humility the role he was called to, that he was uniquely equipped for a specific work: to proclaim that Jesus was the Messiah. Instead of comparison, John chose the truth. God is the one that calls, and our gaze should be set before Him. “He must become greater, I must become less” (John 3:30).
John recalled his purpose and, most importantly, the God he served.
Application
The truth is the dangerous road of comparison demands that our focus remains on ourselves. We measure ourselves against our accomplishments, gifts, and progress against that of others. In the process, we diminish our God-given values and purpose and fail to acknowledge the role of the inherent value of the individual.
Contrastingly, giving up the wrong notion of comparison requires a humble recognition that we are part of a grander scheme; the redemption of mankind through the person of Jesus Christ. He has invited us into a life of love and grace, one in which we find our purpose and being. As a result, the gifts and circumstances are a gift in which we can take part in humble obedience as we offer our lives to Him.
Turning away from the wrong notion of comparison allows us to put our focus back on the Lord rather than ourselves. It allows us to recognize our purpose and value. And from this place, grace and love abound and flow.
God can do so much more in your life when you are willing to be a vessel rather than the main focus.
Blessings,
