Why is it we’re so insecure and always believe everyone else has it better, or is better than we are?
Maybe we’re focused on comparing ourselves to others . . . at least our perceptions of them. Opposites also attract in several ways so we tend to admire quality traits and giftings we would like to strive for ourselves.
Have you ever thought like this before?
– their kids are so much smarter, more talented, or better behaved than mine
– they are such a great hostess
– their house is spotless
– they have more money than us
– my father-in-law repairs and maintains his home quicker and better than I do
– their yard is so manicured and well-kept
– I’ve never seen someone find as many bargains as they do
– I wish I knew as much about the computer and technology as them
– I wish I could meet new people that easily, find good jobs as easy, or get as much done as Sue or Lou
The list could go on, and on. I’ve thought of these myself, or heard others share them. The truth of the matter is, we’re not supposed to be like those we’re comparing ourselves to. Even if we could imitate some of their techniques, we’d do it differently, because we’re all created to be unique individuals.
The second thing when the grass seems greener on the other side, we must remember perception isn’t reality. Here we are believing they are the best cooks, parents, housekeepers and lawn maintenance people in the world. Here’s what you don’t know.
– the kids behaved that day because they were grounded and didn’t want to add time to their grounding
– the man’s wife had threatened him within an inch of his life to keep the yard mowed so her flowers could be seen.
– the reason Susie is such a good shopper is because she spends 30 hrs. a week couponing with extra newspapers she gets from the recycle place. Plus, her husband told her she could buy jewelry with her savings.
– the man who appears to fix everything when it breaks doesn’t do something else, like not help clean house or play with the children.
– unless you’re visiting an OCD person’s house, the rest of the house will be in disarray
– the great hostess can bake and decorate because they don’t attend all their children’s ball games, and have a housecleaner.
My point is we’re all different. Each of us have strengths and weaknesses. The actions or gifts you’re noticing in others doesn’t equate their being perfect in all other areas. The Bible talks about not coveting each other or other’s possessions. Our focus can’t be on others. It needs to be on following God’s plan and purpose for ourselves . . . His will. Our job isn’t to compare ourselves to others, but to search and pray to learn what purpose God has for us with our unique abilities.
Even the disciples had trouble with this comparing and focusing on the wrong thing problem. When Jesus had manifested Himself to them for the third time, He conversed with Peter. Uncomfortable, Peter’s eyes shifted. His thoughts followed, and the comparing began. Read their conversation from John 21:18-22.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. (KJV)
There you have it in a nutshell. Instead of comparing and focusing on others like Peter, heed the words of Jesus, “What is that to thee? Follow Me.”
Your thoughts? How did this speak to you?
Once again, thanks for dropping in and sharing my posts with your friends. Many blessings.
© 2021, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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