Break Free From Comparison A 7 Day Devotional By Anna Lightনমুনা

The easiest, most destructive way we compare is through social media. I say most destructive because of two things: we use social media every day, possibly multiple times a day, and we are usually alone and isolated with our thoughts. The sad truth is this wasn’t even an issue ten years ago. Social media has become so pervasive in our culture over the last decade that it has caused an epidemic of souls craving attention but feeling lonelier than ever. Something that was designed to connect us has actually begun to isolate us and if we’re not careful, this destructive mindset of comparison can shrivel our hearts faster than anything. Why? The average person has five social media accounts and spends an hour and forty minutes a day browsing those accounts. And we wonder why we struggle with comparison, inadequacy, insecurity, and scarcity. What are we putting in front of our faces more often? However, I don’t think the answer is to remove yourself from social media. The devil is in the extremes. We have to remember that we are to be in the world, but not of the world. We have to learn to use social media, like anything else, for our good, and His glory. Body types and our physical appearance is another quick comparison we make. We may look at a person and within a glance make certain judgments and comparisons based on how they’re dressed, their make-up, hair or how they carry themselves. Sometimes these are simple observations of people-watching and there is nothing wrong with that. The problem comes when we wrongfully compare ourselves to others based on their outward appearance. Oftentimes comparison comes in the form of material possessions like houses, cars, salaries, and vacations. We see the outside, the casing, emblem, name brand, or uniform, and make quick judgments without knowing the full story. The problem with this comes when we keep ourselves from authentically connecting with others.  We assume they are either out of our league or have nothing to offer us based on our perception of them. We also compare others' life experiences and accomplishments to our own. You want a spouse, but you're still single. You want kids, or you wish you could have a quiet moment away from your kids! You desire a family that isn't dysfunctional. She has the perfect body, you're still trying to lose the five-year-old baby weight. His company took off, and yours tanked. The things we compare show us a great deal about what’s important to us. I will argue that we shouldn’t just shut down comparison and jealousy. I’ve learned we can actually use it as a tool to direct our lives and enlighten our self-awareness. We’ll talk more about that tomorrow. Lord, open my eyes to the things that make me feel that sting of jealousy. Help me to turn the mirror on myself and take time to deeply reflect on what I’m spending my time doing. Show me why I feel threatened by certain people or circumstances and help me never put myself above or below another based on quick judgments of their outer appearance.