We have all done it. For some it is an occasional foray into a world that either strokes our ego or demolishes it. It can foster fear, delegitimize our accomplishments, and derail any sense of satisfaction with life. It can fool us into thinking we deserve more, that we have been cheated, and that life’s cards are somehow stacked against us. This tyrannical “it” is comparison.

Each of us have a unique purpose, a calling if you will, for which we were created. For some, that calling is to stand before thousands, while for others it is to serve in obscurity. Some are called to lead, while others are called to support leaders. However, every role is essential, which means no one is any more or less valuable than the other. Remembering this truth is what it takes to keep comparison from knocking our focus out of phase.

While comparison is a very human thing to do, it is usually not a God-honoring one. I say “usually not” because there are those times when we see someone who is struggling in one way or another that can foster a sense of compassion and gratitude. However, in most instances it seems comparison not only robs us of that which is life giving, but in exchange fuels resentment, anger, and frustration.

So, how do we combat this? In a practical application we do so by considering the complete package. When struggling with jealousy over your neighbor’s big house or expensive vacation ask yourself if you would also want to deal with their work load or the strain that work load puts on their family? Or when resentful of someone’s physique ask yourself if you are willing to adhere to the kind of diet and exercise routine it takes to maintain that level of fitness.

To combat this in the spiritual is to put into practice the words Jesus spoke to Peter when he, inquiring about the Apostle John, asked:

“What about him, Lord?” To which Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” (John 21:21-22)

“As for you, follow me.” In other words, keep your eyes on Jesus and follow where He is leading. Doing so will guarantee our focus will never be knocked out of phase by comparison.