Discern and Overcome Common TemptationsНамуна

The Trap of Comparison

Temptations: Envy & Comparison

Comparing yourself to anyone else has two dangers: it steals your joy, and if you entertain it for too long, you can start to feel deprived and become envious of them. You can easily feel left behind or overlooked when you focus on their blessings, finances, or appearance. God has a unique purpose and journey for everyone. How do you know whether they are perhaps longing to have what you have?

Secondly, envy not only robs us of our joy, but it can also literally poison our relationship with someone and give us a twisted idea of what truly matters. The world glorifies competition and status. The Holy Spirit grants us grace to walk with contentment and gratitude.

One way to deal with comparison and envy is to give glory to the Lord in prayer when you see something someone else has that you do not. We can intentionally begin to bless them in their walk with the Lord and ask for their lives to bear much fruit. This is a wonderful way to train ourselves to celebrate others without jealousy and walk confidently in our own God-given path.

Prayer:

Father, help me to discern any form of comparison or envy in my own heart. Help me celebrate others without envy. Teach me to find joy in that which You have planned for my life. Amen.