The Comparison Trap

Is comparison a sin?

No. Hebrews 6:12

Hebrews 6:12 ESV

so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

We are to examine the life of others strong in their faith and see how they are living. Compare your life to other people gifted similar to you and see how they are using their gifts in order to learn how you can better use your gifts. Compare with a humble spirit.

Also we have to compare ourselves to scriptures to better ourselves.

Now on the flip side comparison can be a very dangerous trap. Comparison can be a joy killer and a distraction. Comparison if we do not watch it can easily turn to coveting (Exodus 20:17). Comparison becomes an issue when we develop the heart seen in James 3:16

James 3:16 ESV

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

So when we are comparing wishing for the results there having or the position, etc. In other words jealousy. we are wrong. When we are watching them and thinking all about ourselves and the accolades we are doing wrong. That is when comparison becomes a trap.

Comparison tainted by jealousy is what cause comparison to become a trap.

feeling or showing an unhappy or angry desire to have what someone else has -Merriam Webster definition for jealous

Their are two ways comparison rears its ugly head. One way is the critic. We see this in verse 25 with the jew talking with the disciples on purification. Sometimes when we get stuck in the comparison trap we start being a critic. We start thinking everybody else is doing things wrong and we start ripping their ways up left and right. They do everything right, and we know how to do everything right. This is when comparison gets mixed with jealousy and insecurity.

The other way is the number game. Its the hey look over there. Look at how many people are over there. Look at how many commas are in their car price tag. Look at how many clothes they have, etc. his comes out of the dangerous mindset of that more equals more success. Which is far from the truth. The truth is it is about quality, not quantity. When you stand before Jesus is he going to look at your bank account? social media followers? your closet? No he is going to look at the quality of your heart.

So tonight let us look at how to avoid the comparison trap by looking at John’s response to his disciples who were saying look over there.

How to Avoid the Comparison Trap

You got to realize where your gifts and possessions come from (v. 27). It ain’t all made possible by your hard work. It is made possible by God’s blessing. You didn't choose to be born here. You didn’t choose your genetics, etc.

So realize where you are and other people are is because God has chosen to put them there and chosen to give them their blessings. God has reasons for everything he has done. God hasn’t equipped you to do so and so job in this life. he has equipped you to do what he has called you to do.

Success is found in Christ not others.

Accountability (v. 28). Surround yourself with humble people that you know will help you walk humbly and help keep you focused on Christ. Who you surround yourselves with is usually a good reflection of who you are or will become. You hang with party people, you gonna become a party person. You choose not to surround yourselves with believers you are going to feel yourself drift. Have people you know who will correct you.

Surround yourself with godly people to keep you accountable.

Life is not about you, but God (v. 28). God has sent you for a purpose. We are not the center of attention, but God is

God has created you with purpose.

Be a faithful bride (v. 29). Yes i know that sounds strange, but the Bible several times refers to the church being the bride of Christ.

Be faithful.

Don’t be cheating on God with other gods.

Be joyful about your marriage. Ladies what happens when someone gets engaged? They go around showing a rock off. We should be excited about showing the Rock off and telling everyone about him.

Talk to your groom.

Know your role.

(v. 30). When John told them this John knew he had done his part, and that it was time for Jesus to start his earthly ministry. Know it is not all about you. In the big picture you are like a penny just somewhere on the globe. And are useless if not in the right hands or put in the right location. I’m a little pawn serving the king. If i realize my place within the body, I am more useful in helping fight for the victory. Also realize when to step back or aside