Comparison kills
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV)
Years ago, I used to care far more about what others thought, but I realized people pleasers can't be world changers. It’s been said, Everyone is born an original, but sadly, many die a copy! Why? Because they compare themselves to others and try to live like them. Social media is one of the worst tools for causing us to live this way. We spend so much time scrolling through social media pages, and our eyes get fixed on the treasures of this world. God’s invitation to us is to scroll the pages of His word and get our eyes fixed on the treasures of heaven.
One of the everyday struggles with money is the tendency to compare our financial situation with others. Insecurity often drives this comparison—when we feel inadequate or lack confidence in our self-worth, we use others’ wealth as a measuring stick for our value. However, this is not a financial problem—it’s a heart issue.
God is our heavenly Father who gives us our value, not the things of this world. Identity is a simple thing to talk about, but it's easy for us to find our identity in our performance and material possessions. We can be rich in this world and poor in God, and Jesus helps us understand the importance of living well. The Bible reminds us that our value doesn’t come from what we own but from who we are in Christ. God's love for us determines our worth, not the size of our bank account. We need to trust that God is a good Father who faithfully provides for His children! Comparing our wealth to others reveals a lack of trust in God’s provision and a failure to see ourselves as He sees us. When we anchor our identity to material possessions, our financial status becomes the foundation of our worth. Low self-worth can cause us to compare ourselves to others and can lead to pride and arrogance or envy and jealousy.
APPLICATION: Keep your eyes on Jesus.
PRAYER: Ask God to help you see and trust that He is a good Father. Ask Him to help remind you of how often He’s cared for you and your needs. Thank Him for His faithfulness.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?