Thursday, October 07, 2010

Don't Compare

Don't compare. Don't compare. Don't compare.

I remind myself a million times a day, sometimes more as I read blogs, talk to friends, sit in church, venture into the library, swing by the grocery store, work out at the gym.

I compare myself to dear friends and complete strangers.

I compare up, putting myself down, making me feel inadequate and insecure.

I compare down, lifting myself up, allowing ugly pride to manifest itself inside my head.

Regardless of what direction it goes, when I compare I find myself discontent and lacking peace.

You'd think I would learn or that the battle would get easier. It doesn't seem to. The thoughts creep in, sometimes I dwell on them, sometimes I argue with them, sometimes I pray for grace to expel them.

I have a sinking feeling that it will always be a battle. It is the nature of life on earth. The thoughts will continue to come, and I will either fight them or allow them to rank me, measuring myself against an inaccurate standard. Until I remember, via a holy prompting, to stop and raise the battle cry once again.

Don't compare. Don't compare. Don't compare.

9 comments:

Rachel Lynn said...

Wow, what a great post!

I d e f i n i t e l y struggle with this. Ugh. It's so easy to make yourself miserable with the inner battle of comparing yourself to others/feeling inferior...and then feeling guilty for comparing...etc., etc...

I will say this, though....you are a pretty amazing person! I don't know you very well but I really admire your gentle spirit and graceful, patient demeanor. You are clearly a great mom and I look up to you :). And, you're a great writer, too :).

Anyway...just wanted to share my thoughts on the post :).

Have a great weekend!
Rachel

Rebekah said...

right there with ya megan...wish I could grow up and beyond this one.

Jill said...

Sometimes it hits harder than other times. Just when you think you are gaining some victory. What a reminder of my constant need for Jesus. If there is anything good in me, it is from Him and by Him. I am so glad He covers me!

Love you friend!

Missy said...

I don't usually struggle with jealousy but I really have been the last week - which is a result of comparison. It's annoying and I tell myself I am too old/Christian for that, yet it happens over and over.

Then yesterday my son was complaining about something his sister had, and I told him, "Being jealous is a sign of an ungrateful heart."

OUCH!!

Janie S. said...

I love it when you bear your soul for us to learn from- thank you for your honesty.
I struggle with this too sometimes, and I really try (and this does get easier) to be content with what I have, where I am, and who I am. Some seasons are harder than others, but I notice that when I am overwhelmed and stressed it is easier to think that the grass is greener in someone else's life.
You are not given more than what you can handle because you can ALWAYS just give it all to Jesus. Hang in there, sister!
I also need a work out buddy so let me know when you are heading to the gym!! :-)

Our Journey to Grace and Olivia said...

So true; one builds insecurity and one builds pride..neither of God. Hold those thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ...but hard to live out all the time. Your transperency speaks to my heart and I love ya!

Jami said...

oh i hear ya. it is such a battle.

i think Satan just loves it when we get in that cycle of comparison because it gets our focus off of Jesus and on to ourselves.

i don't want him to be happy...

Michelle P. said...

I sure do appreciate you, Megan!
Thanks for sharing your heart and your struggles.

Michelle Parker

Taylor said...

I hear ya Megan! I just try to stop heading down (satan's) rabbit trail as soon as I realize what I'm doing.