From very early on, we are conditioned to compare ourselves to other people. If we’re not careful, our entire lives can bounce from one comparison to another. Who ranks the highest in school? – Who has the happiest marriage? – Who makes the most money? – Who is the most successful? – And the list goes on!

Even in our childhood fairytale we recited, "mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?" It is important to recognize, however, that sizing ourselves up to other people can only lead to negative outcomes. We will either:

1.) think more highly of ourselves than we ought (Romans 12:3); or

2.) become insecure, bitter, and jealous because we feel as if we don’t measure up.

Have you fallen into the trap of making unhealthy comparisons to other people?

Do you secretly wish that your life would accelerate at another person’s pace?

Like many of us, Peter compared his journey to someone else’s. When Jesus revealed how Peter would labor and eventually die for the gospel, the disciple was not content with merely knowing his own destiny; he wanted to also know John’s:

"Peter turned and saw that the follower Jesus loved was walking behind them...he asked... 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, 'If I want him to live until I come back, that is not your business. You follow me'" (John 21:20-22, NCV).

We will never find joy by comparing ourselves to others. As Jesus said, other people’s lives are not our business. The only measure we need is the plan that has been mapped out for us.

Galatians 6:4 teaches,

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given...Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life" (MSG).

God has placed each of us on a unique journey that progresses in its due season (Psalm 1:3). Like Samuel, Timothy, and Jeremiah, some of us will find our destinies unfolding at early ages – but, like Abraham, others of us may see our promise manifest at a later stage in life. Either way, we must "go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't" (Romans 12:6, MSG).

Stand firm in knowing that God does not shortchange His children. Each of us has a destiny that will unfold in a unique way – at a divinely orchestrated time. So why compare?

Our cry:
Lord, thank You for reminding me that You are the only mirror that I need. When I feel stagnant, I will turn to You. When I need to measure my progress, I will turn to You. When I question my value, I will turn to You. From this point forward, I will stand firm in knowing that You have placed me on a journey that will unfold in a unique way – at a divinely orchestrated time.

For I am Your handmaiden. I am Your servant.

Recommended reading:
John 21:20-22, New Century Version
Romans 12:6, The Message Bible
Galatians 6:4, The Message Bible

Marsha DuCille
Publisher/Editorial Director
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