Comparison and Competition
WEEK THREE
DAY TWELVE
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.“
Philippians 2:3
Comparison is a slippery slope that typically leads to competition. If we can’t be the best at something, we aren’t satisfied. We’ve all seen the Pinterest fails that result from people trying to “measure up.” What about the images of crisp linens in blemish-free white-walled homes (that apparently don’t have children like mine)? Society and social media have sweet talked us in to the relentless pursuit of perfection. We find ourselves competing against a false reality. Thank goodness God doesn’t love us based on our IG posts!
Comparison isn’t all bad. When you understand a healthy version of comparison, it can lead you to try harder and accomplish more. Consider comparing your spiritual walk when you first accepted Jesus to how your faith looks currently. Comparing those two time periods in your life can catapult you to grow even more in your faith!
Anyone with a competitive streak knows the value of comparison when submitted to the Holy Spirit. In a healthy competition, we move beyond petty comparison and push ourselves to accomplish all God created us to accomplish. When we work as a team we even encourage others to do the same. With healthy competition we can all experience victory!
LET’S PRAY
1.) Reflect. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a time when comparison led you into unhealthy competition. Does that competition still play out in your life today?
2.) Pray again for clarity. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a time when comparison led you to healthy competition or to do better. How was that different than the unhealthy version?
3.) Journal. How does knowing God loves you just as you are affect the way you compare yourself to others? Do you believe God honors competition? Why or why not?
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