Have you compared yourself to anyone lately? I have. The comparison game is one I participate in often.
And it needs to stop.
The fact of the matter is, God didn’t make us to be the same. If He did, that would be incredibly boring. He made us with talents and traits that differ from others. And those talents and traits are what make us who we are.
But so often we compare ourselves to others and begin to lose that. We become so consumed with the fact that we don’t look like someone else. Sing like someone else. Paint like someone else. Or maybe we’re worried that we’re not as smart as someone else. As well-spoken as someone else. And we forget that we’re not someone else.
We’re us!
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. – Psalm 139:14
And when we play the comparison game, when we constantly look at everyone around us, we might as well tell God we don’t like the way He made us. That we don’t like the plans He has for us. When we’re constantly pointing out what we wish we have instead of what God gave us, we’re showing an ungrateful attitude that does nothing but hold us back.
The fact is, God made us with a purpose (Jeremiah 1:5). None of us are random combinations put together by chance. And nothing that happens to us is by chance. God has a purpose. He can work anything and everything for good (Romans 8:28). Even comparing our circumstances can bring us discontentment and take our eyes off God. Our circumstances shape us. And God knows this.
For example, I am who I am as a person because of the trials I’ve been through. Because my grandmothers got sick. Because I had to step up and help take care of them. That circumstance, that trial, forced me to grow up. It helped me mature. And it helped me look at things differently.
At the time, it was easy to look at those around me and compare their lives to mine. Still is. But God knew what I needed to wake up. To mature and become grounded. God knew my needs are different than others. And there are people He’ll use me to reach that are different than the ones He’ll use you to reach.
So let’s stop the comparison game and be grateful for who God made us and where He placed us. Because none of this was by accident.
