The Web of Comparison

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.  Proverbs 14:30

Are you caught in the web of comparison?  The web of comparison leads us down the road towards dissatisfaction.  The web of comparison will leave us filled with envy, jealousy, and often bitterness.  When we become entangled in the web of comparison, we will often miss the wonderful work God has prepared for us to accomplish.  Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

We compare looks, talents, jobs, ministries, and opportunities.  The things which we compare are too numerous too name.  So why do we do this – compare?  Satan uses the web of comparison to keep us from fulfilling God’s calling upon our life.  God desires us to be satisfied with His provision.  Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he had a need.  He did not compare himself to others.  He chose not to get caught in the web of comparison.  Paul understood his identity was found in Jesus Christ.  Philippians 4:12 – I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 

In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul states that entering into the web of comparison is not wise and could lead to pride.  We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.  When they measure they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.  Paul was speaking of the false teachers who were attempting to prove their goodness by comparing themselves with others, rather than with God’s standards.  We should be measuring ourselves against God Holy standards and not anyone else’s standards.  Harboring pride in our hearts is sin and needs to be recognized as such. 

The web of comparison produces, not only pride, but envy.  Envy is defined as the sin of jealousy over the blessings and achievements of others.  Envy is a tool Satan uses to entrap us.  Scripture reveals to us that envy is unspiritual and an evil practice.  James 3:16 – For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  Your spirit and soul will be in inner turmoil and you will not be able to appreciate the blessings which God has sovereignly blessed you with. 

When we come to the place in our faith walk where we understand that we are unique and God made us to fulfill a certain purpose in which He will receive all honor and glory, we tend to not fall into the web of comparison.  God created each one of us and His works are wonderful.  Psalm 139:13-14 – For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  Psalm 139:16 – Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 

Just as the LORD revealed to Jeremiah that he was set apart before he was born to be a prophet to the nations, before you were born you were set apart to carry out God’s purpose and plan He has preordained for you.  Jeremiah 1:5 – Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.  If you are truly walking in your calling, stop becoming entangled in the web of comparison.  Seek fulfillment in your unique calling God has placed upon your life. 

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to live our lives to honor and glorify You.  I pray we will faithfully walk in the calling You have placed upon our lives.  Help us not to become entangled in the web of comparison.  I pray we will come to a place in our faith walk where we truly recognize we are unique and made in Your image, Heavenly Father.  I pray we will be content with where You have positioned us.  In Jesus Name I pray…..Amen.