God's Roadmap

Now may the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in his wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope that cannot fail, encourage your hearts and inspire you with strength to always do and speak what is good and beautiful in his eyes (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 TPT).


Sunday, August 26, 2018

Avoid the Comparison Trap


by Barbara Latta

Have you ever sent out invitations to a pity party and then answered them? Maybe invited a
few friends? Or brought gifts to yourself?

Why do we do this to ourselves? The source of our party springs from the fountain of comparison.

We look at the accomplishments of others through rose colored glasses, but we use a magnifying glass to look at what we think are our deficiencies.

After listening to a successful author teach a workshop the opportunity for comparison whispered in my ear.

When my kids were growing up, the voice compared me to other mothers.

Despite good grades in school and praise from employers, career and educational opportunities told me I was lacking.

The voice of comparison has no reprieve for the victim; it only brings pity to the victim’s mind. We can get so involved in the party, we blow out the candles on the cake, open the gifts and indulge in the unhealthy confection of despair.

How can we pop the balloons from this celebration of misery?

  • By rehearsing victories and blessings in our lives.
  • By reading what God says about us.  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
  • By giving ourselves affirming statements.  How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:17).

We must follow the plan God has for our individual lives instead of trying to live someone else’s. We can learn from those who have gone before us, but we can’t live their plan.

Paul’s advice through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit shows us how to avoid the comparison trap. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load (Galatians 6:4-5).

How do you reply to invitations to pity parties? Share your thoughts.

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2 comments:

  1. Spot on! Thank you for sharing, Paul aka The Mayor ��☕️��

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

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