Comparison is the Thief of Joy

When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. - 2 Corinthians 10:12

There were a group of religious folks back in the day that were constantly trying to be more righteous than each other. Instead of social climbing, it was religious climbing. Paul points out how unhelpful this approach is to spirituality. Paul then goes on a bit of a rant, which concludes with him talking about his own brokenness and how that does not disqualify him as an apostle of Christ. He puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 13:29: Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

How hard is it for you to own your own mess? How much do you struggle with comparison? Take some time to ponder these questions. To help, consider this wisdom from a favorite author:

Everyone is screwed up, broken, clingy, and scared, even the people who seem to have it more or less together. They are much more like you than you would believe. So try not to compare your insides to their outsides. - Anne Lamott