Don’t compare yourself to anyone

Scripture:

Galatians 6:4 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others.

Observation:

When you do your very best, you feel good about the results. There is no need to compare yourself with others. People make comparisons for many reasons. Some point out others' flaws in order to feel better about themselves. Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well. When you are tempted to compare, look at Jesus Christ. His example will inspire you to do your very best, and his loving acceptance will comfort you when you fall short of your expectations.

Application:

You'll often discover your calling in your difference from others - not your similarity. Romans 12:6-7 in the Message says, "… let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without… comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't"

Here's the score: Those who deserve a place in your life will never be threatened by your strengths or your uniqueness. They'll have the maturity to understand that it takes many different players and many different sounds to make up an orchestra. On the other hand, those who don't belong in your life will always try to pour you into their mould; because that's the only way they can measure you or control you.

Not everybody will understand you - they're not supposed to. Don't waste the only life you'll ever have by trying to win the acceptance of people who don't appreciate your integrity, or discern your worth. Love them, pray for them, and move on. Jesus said, "A servant is not greater than his master. If people did wrong to Me they will do wrong to you too" (John 15:20 NCV).

Any time you have to give up being what God made you to be, in order to be accepted, the price is too high. Walk away. Why? Because, in the final analysis, you'll be judged by one standard only: what God called you to be, not what others want you to be!

Prayer:

"Lord, I thank you for who you created me to be. There are always temptations to covet someone else's personality, fame, or position in life. But godly contentment is accepting and excelling at who You made me to be. I thank you for the potential that you have placed within me. I choose to strive to fulfill that potential and become all you desire for me to be. I will not compare myself to anyone else, in Jesus' name, amen!"