Dangerous Ground

We've all done it: compared ourselves to others. Whether we compare our bodies, our families, our jobs, our callings, or where we are on the journey, the temptation can be so subtle we barely recognize it. But it's dangerous ground we would be wise to avoid.

I'm going to focus in on comparing ourselves to others who are called to write and/or speak, but I believe these apply more broadly to life in general, as well.

Comparing ourselves to others does a lot of things--none of them good:

It creates pressure - When I read certain writers whose flowing, beautiful words evoke deep passion, sometimes I'm tempted to try to emulate their style. But the pressure to be someone else makes me miserable and in the end I always fail. We don't need the pressure of trying to be something and someone we're not. When we're true to ourselves, there is no pressure.

It leads to frustration - Nothing squelches our creativity and God's specific anointing on our lives like comparison, and that is frustrating. He has equipped us to be creative, but only when we're following His plan for our lives--not when we're trying to be someone else. When we pursue God's grace for authentic creativity, frustration is alleviated.

It fosters insecurity - And insecure people don't get far. Insecurity prevents us from maturing in our our individual calling, because it partners with fear to hold us back. But when we zero in on our particular calling and strive to know God's unique plan for our lives, we grow in both ability and confidence.

It makes us feel small - We've all experienced a moment when we felt pale and insignificant in the shadow of another. But the truth is we are exactly who God created us to be, and it grieves the Holy Spirit when we think of ourselves as less than all God's word declares. Instead of standing in someone else's shadow and allowing ourselves to feel small, let's dwell under the shadow of the Almighty, confident in our identities and giftings as God's daughters.

It breeds competition - Comparison turns our hearts into scales--we're constantly weighing what others have and we don't. Remember, this is a race to the finish of our own God-given destiny, not a race to beat someone else. We can cheer each other on, pray for one another and remember that we're on the same team!

It robs us of our unique identity - There's no way we can become all God intends for us to be when our eyes are on others. When we keep our focus on the Lord and His plan for us, we can grow and excel in our own individual style.

As we trust in God and His ability to work in and through us, He is honored, and we are anchored to the One who holds our destiny. This frees us to authentically pursue His calling on our lives, while authentically cheering on our sisters. When we resist the urge to compare ourselves, we avoid dangerous ground and demonstrate the belief that our own callings, however small or grand, hold value.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. (Galatians 6:4)

WINNER of the $50 gift card package for making me laugh on my 50th birthday is: Rachel Beran (scroll down to read her funny story in the comments on the post below). Congrats to you, Rachel! And thank you, everyone, for sharing all your funny stories and making me smile!