Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #14 — Comparison-Trap

Picture: Counsel #14 — Comparison-Trap CI 53.1

Have you ever looked at someone else and thought, “Why can’t I be more like them?” Maybe you’ve scrolled on your phone, and suddenly someone else’s life looked cooler and more successful. Or perhaps they have the perfect smile, the dream job, and the relationship you’ve been praying for. Before you know it, you begin to underappreciate what God is doing in your life. CI 53.2

God didn’t make you to be a copy of someone else. He handcrafted you with purpose, with your own strengths and story. When you stop measuring yourself by someone else’s journey, you’ll start to see the beauty of your own path. In addition, it’ll be easier to realize that being faithful with your gifts matters more than trying to match someone else’s. The first step to stopping the comparison cycle is to ask yourself, “What has God uniquely given me?” instead of “Why don’t I have what they have?” When you let go of comparing, you’ll feel more at peace with your own pace because you’ll be measuring your life by your own growth, and not someone else’s progress. After all, you’re already loved and already chosen.^[51] CI 53.3

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” Galatians 6:4 NIV CI 53.4

“No one but Christ is given us as an example.” Ellen White in Maranatha, p. 42 CI 53.5

Reflect: What do you envy in others that you can start appreciating in yourself? CI 53.6