The Art of Comparison

Sometimes I wonder why we all at a point in our lives feel the need to compare ourselves with others. Not only ourselves but our situations, education level, marriage and even our spiritual level in Christ. I'm sure you'll agree with me - it happens to the best of us, consciously and unconsciously, willingly and unwillingly. But what's wrong with that?

Comparison can be a good thing but just like everything else it has its negatives and positives. We saw what it did to Cain. Cain observed the way God loved Abel. I can imagine how he felt when he saw that God had respect for Abel's offerings and had no respect for his. Maybe he compared the Lord's love for Abel to how the Lord felt about him, after all his offerings were as good as Cain's but yet the Lord had no respect for his. I can imagine how bitter and unimportant he felt. The Bible said that Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell (Genesis 4 v 5). Though it wasn't Abel's fault the comparison led to bitterness which caused his brother to kill him.

When you compare yourselves positively with others it increases your determination and drives you to success. Toodles to those who have someone they emulate, admire their success and not only that but they measure their current situation in life with those they emulate thereby taking the necessary steps to activate the same positive result-THERE IS DEFINATELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. That my friend is a positive comparison.

Take a look at the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elisha was a good servant man to Elijah rather than being jealous of the way God was using Elijah and sending him to do his work, Elisha supported Elijah in all his doing and followed him everywhere, even when he asked him not to come. He emulated and admired the anointing Elijah had, I can bet too that he wanted to possess the same anointing as Elijah but he did not compare himself and allow jealously and bitterness to overtake him. Even to the end of Elijah's time on earth, Elisha supported him and he was rewarded with a double portion of Elijah's anointing (2 Kings 2 KJV).

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV). The negative effects of comparison are tremendous and can destroy our lives, it can even cause a mental breakdown.

A new study concludes that there is in fact a causal link between the use of social media and negative effects on well-being, primarily depression and loneliness. The study was published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology. Many people fall in depression when they see the way others are living and how successful their friends have become. They compare their life with what they see on these social networks thereby falling in depression.

Whenever you compare yourself with others negatively you become prone to building up hurt, disappointments, jealousy bitterness, depression and greed. Appreciate the level you are in life. Learn to accept yourself while you do your best to become the person you want to become. The worst thing you could ever do is to compare your marriage and your spouse with others. This one never ends well. Accept that your marriage is different from all others and your partner is a totally different person. Trust your process and allow God to write you and your partner's story. Just allow God to lead you to your destiny. Just enjoy the journey together and make the best of the process.

It is full time we accept the fact that not everyone will have a smooth transition in life. Not all of us will have a life full of treasures and rewards- I have never met anyone who gave me that report. We all have to go through a test but guess what? it makes you stronger. Those who we seek to compare ourselves with had to go through it before they become successful its just your turn. It's your time to fight the good fight and reap the reward. It's not easy but you can do it!

There was a time in my life when I wondered why I always have to fast and pray tirelessly for a breakthrough while others had it easy. I got so frustrated thinking that as a servant of God I should have it easier than the sinners who are successful. Then I realized that the comparison is the distraction. I started to be more grateful and thankful. I then discovered that the victory is sweeter when you have to pray it through to make it through. There is something sweet about knowing that God still cares, he heard you while you were praying and crying out to him and he came through at the end. The battle is tough the victory is sweet. Let us not lose ourselves watching others progress but be thankful for our journey. Don't be like Cain be like Elisah.

How to stop comparing yourself with others negatively

1. Be grateful for where you are in life

2. Be genuinely happy for others

3. Work hard to achieve your own goals

4. Love yourself

5. Allow your destiny to unfold

6. Be patient with yourself and where you are in life

7. Help others to achieve

8. Support others towards reaching their full potential

9. Pray and seek God

10. Be positive