Why Comparison is Crippling

Comparison is practically a cultural norm - we feel an intense need to categorize things and give them some dichotomous value judgement.  Good or bad, right or wrong, better or worse, and so on and so forth.  But in reality it isn't fair to do this because life is not black and white - there is gray area that results from dynamic experiences, emotions, and relationships.  I don't think anything is wholly good or wholly evil - largely because our present circumstances have no finality in determining our worth or identity.  Every person in creation is made in the image of God and has permanent identity in Him.  We have been made new and are clothed in the righteousness of Christ - how cool is that!  Since we are created by God and in His likeness, He is the standard we are measured against.  We are not judged by the world's standards, but rather our lives are held up against the Gospel.  This truth is both reassuring and convicting - I have to ask myself if my life is measuring up and properly reflecting the Gospel of Christ?

"Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News" - Philippians 1:27 NLT

"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all" - Ephesians 4:1-6 NLT

One thing I love about both of these verses is that they emphasize unity in the body of Christ, and how we are all to live and act as one.  We have one citizenship, one calling, one hope, and one God who is holy and sovereign over all.  With this is mind, we must rally together to break down barriers and focus on the things we share rather than the differences we perceive.

Since our heavenly identity is unchanging, it must come before the worldly ways we create divisions and estimate value.  Our eyes must be set on things above rather than temporary, fading things.  Here are some of the reasons I think comparison is so crippling to us living an abundant life.

1. Even though we all have the same destination, different journeys will take us there.  I am striving towards Christ and seeking out a life of discipleship, but how that looks for me is not how that looks for every one.  The world is full of unique and diverse people which makes life beautiful and exciting. With the proper perspective, we can celebrate differences as what makes each of us special, and part of the unique gifts and talents we have to share with the world.
2. We are using the wrong standard.  The problem with comparison in a worldly sense, is that we are comparing ourselves to other flawed people.  The true measure of our lives must be Christ because He is the author and perfecter of our faith.  The Gospel is the standard I am striving toward, even if it might go against societal norms or expectations.
3. It shifts our focus and perspective away from the Lord and His favor.  I have been convicted with the fact that I live in a culture that seems perpetually dissatisfied.  According to scripture, the Lord is more than enough for me, but all too often I don't live like that is true.  I compare myself to others and focus on what I feel like I am lacking, rather than seeing all that I have been blessed with.  In reality, the Lord's favor is abundant and has poured out blessings beyond compare on me - I cannot thank Him enough for all He has given for me.  And He has given each and every one of us the most valuable gift of all - His grace, love, and salvation.

I truly think that these three things make comparison absolutely debilitating to the well-being of our bodies, minds, and spirits.  The only true measure of life is Christ and the Gospel - and even though we are imperfect, God has bought our identity and adopted us into the body of faith.  And for all our days, we bound in unity to pursue the Lord and profess the hope we have in Him.  By grace we have received a higher calling - let us strive to lead lives worthy of that.