Why Christians Should Not Make Comparisons
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Why doing comparisons hurt us and may hurt others.
We cannot help but compare ourselves to others sometimes. Our society certainly pushes us in that direction. Sports, reality TV shows, and our materialistic world promote the ideas that people or their loved ones, when compared to others, are “better” or “superior.”
Parents brag about how much better their athletic children are against their competitors at sports events. Aspiring singers put down their fellow contestants, claiming to be more highly skilled. Reality shows thrive on the conflict that comes from people talking trash about other people. Our culture promotes a sense of entitlement.
The Negative Effects Of Constant Comparisons
Comparing ourselves with others is not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12). Here are a few reasons why we should not constantly be measuring ourselves up against others.
Creates blows to our self-esteem
Sometimes comparing ourselves to others can batter our self-image and self-esteem. We see people who are prettier, thinner, and more affluent than us and beat ourselves up. Discouragement and frustration stir up within us because we feel that we can never measure up. We are discontented with our lot in life. We may even become angry with God. We ask: “Why are other people being blessed while I am not?”
It builds us up in an unhealthy way
Some people deal with feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem by measuring themselves against other people. They feel better about themselves after evaluating others because they think they are more attractive, have more money, have a more exciting career, or have a bigger house. The problem is that it is not always possible to be — or have — the best at everything.
We are weak human beings who fail, make mistakes, and often do not “have it all” or even some of “it all.” While we may feel good about ourselves for the moment, we will feel bad again when the people we are judging get the job we want or inherit a lot of money.
Pride could be the reason why we exalt ourselves at the expense of others. Our arrogance encourages us to judge and look…
