Comparison

Main Scripture: Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. Psalms 75:6-7

Just recently, I was reflecting on my life and how successful I have been in all aspects of my life. I was a little disheartened because I started to compare my self with someone else. The person has achieved something’s that I would want to achieve as such I felt disheartened. I was also upset about how I felt as I thought I should be happy for the person instead of feeling disheartened by the person’s achievements.

As such, I started praying asking God to help me to feel happy for the person instead of being jealous (I think). Just then I heard the Desiderata on the radio and the following lines really had an impact on the way I felt about the person’s achievements.

“If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.”

 So today ladies I am encouraging you not to be envious or shocked when others are prospering because you don't know what they have been through to get there (test, trials and tribulation). Thank God for what you have, thank Him for the talents and gifts that he has given to you and for how he has brought you and trust him to take you to another level. The fact is, it may not be your time yet so maintain a good attitude in all circumstances.

The Psalmist David reminds us that it is God that is in control, He is the one that will promote or demote. Therefore, instead of being envious ask God what is it that he wants for your life and what should you do to achieve these things. Also, remember that what you see of the person’s life is not the full picture; therefore you do not know what you are being envious of. Do not allow these things to cause you to become vain and bitter instead adopt an attitude of humbleness and strive for excellence. As Martin Luther King said

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”

Let’s Pray,

Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness towards us. Cleanse us from all envy and strive. Lord today I pray that you will fill us with your love for each other. Help us to love and help our brothers instead of being envious and bitter. Father we place our hearts and lives in your hands.

 In Jesus Name

 Amen