“Her shoes are cuter than my shoes!” I have made that statement at times, haven’t you?
There have been times in my life when I have desperately wanted what another has, but the Lord has always been gracious to show me that, though I may want what that person has, I may not want to pay the high price it would cost me to walk in her shoes. Comparing my job, family dynamic, economic status, or anything else to someone else, walks me straight into potholes and mud puddles. Doing so is not God’s intention for us (or our shoes). Galatians 6:4-5 (AMP) says,
But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work [examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior], and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another. For every person will have to bear [with patience] his own burden [of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible].
When the desire we have for what someone else has is so great that it consumes us, we allow that desire to rob us of the joy we have been promised by our Savior. In that instance, comparison becomes the thief of our joy.
Let me be clear. There is nothing wrong with admiring someone else’s shoes, car, clothes, job, or even their situation, but when admiring those things turns to coveting those things or comparing in such a way that envy or strife and struggle walk in, then you’ve gone too far sister.
Comparing ourselves with others in that way is a recipe for disaster, because God has made each of us different, and He has called each of us to accomplish different things. In His wisdom, He has also allowed each of us to have different resources and talents available to us that help us accomplish His mission.
The Scripture above from Galatians cautions us to “scrutinize our own work.” That is, we are to examine our own actions, attitudes, and behaviors. In other words, rather than looking at someone else’s shoes and comparing them to yours, just focus on your own (and might I add, give yourself a break! Your shoes are amazing!) In fact, you rock your shoes!
If, though, while examining your shoes, you find that they are worn and in need of repair, go to the Father. He will get you back in style! From looking carefully at ourselves, making the needed adjustments, and finding affirmation from the Lord, we attain personal satisfaction and an inner joy that is sure to put a spring in our steps. Why? Because when we cease comparing ourselves to others and coveting what they have, we focus on the blessing and talents God has graced us with, and this gratitude secures our joy.
So friend, who or what are you comparing yourself to today? May I remind you that God has made you to be you and me to be me? He has given you the tools, resources, and talents you need to do what He has called you to do, and you have a high calling and purpose. He’s done the same for me, and I’m grateful.
So maybe you’re wearing leopard print boots today, and I’m wearing plain black flats. If I see you, I will most definitely compliment you on your leopard boots, because they are sassy and super trendy. But what I promise you I won’t do is try to fit my feet into your boots, because they probably won’t fit. Instead, I’m going to look down at my black flats, be grateful that I have them, and remember they enable me to fulfill my purpose and calling. Then I’m going to choose to tell you to rock your boots, cause that’s what good sisters do!
Happy Monday, friends!
Jacqueline Heider
Director of Women’s Ministry,
Prayer Ministry & Together at Warren