Beware of Competition & Comparison

Solomon spoke about his observations of people, striving to compete with their neighbour. This is a person expending their efforts and working hard, in order to measure up to someone else. Solomon described this as vanity, foolishness and chasing after the wind. This attitude is also deeply rooted in pride. Remember that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. We have to constantly question our inner motives for doing things. Make sure that you are not working hard to attain material possessions, in order to measure up to someone else.

It is good to admire other people and we all draw inspiration from others. Most of us have mentors and role models that we emulate. What I am describing is envy, rivalry and competition. This stems from a deep sense of insecurity and inferiority. We have to learn to be comfortable in our own skin, run our own race and live life at our own pace. There is a predetermined path for everyone. I am not good at everything, but I know the things that I am good at. It would be wise to spend time mastering my gifts, rather than to spend my time competing with someone else, in an area where I am not naturally gifted.

“By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). Every single person on this planet has been blessed with gifts. There are enough resources available to meet the needs of everyone. If someone succeeds, it does not stop you from succeeding. It makes sense for us to celebrate with others when they do well. “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). We celebrate other people’s season of success, because our season is coming. Every person has a desire for something that they don’t currently have.

Faulty perspective can make us envy someone, while ignoring our own blessings. Nurture what has been entrusted to you. Nurture your own marriage and spouse, so that there will be less time to envy someone else’s relationship. Nurture your children, pray over them and don’t spend time wishing someone else’s child belonged to you. Focus on your God given assignment and don’t strain to compare yourself to other people. God made us all unique and there is an assignment for each of us. There is nothing more admirable than someone walking in divine purpose. You are confident and secure in who you are and who you are created to be.

A.P.-Y.