By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Joy

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A human’s brain is amazing, especially in the way it can process many thoughts and ideas, even thoughts that may not be helpful to the person. Comparison with others is one of the thoughts that can be difficult to process. “Comparison,” as Theodore Roosevelt says, “is the thief of joy.” There is Biblical proof of the President’s comments.

^“But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor.”
Galatians 6:4 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

If a person is doing a good deed but then compares herself in how she did the deed or why, the person can quickly find no joy in the deed itself. There may be thoughts that the deed could have been done better or more efficiently, or maybe that no one noticed the deed at all.

“Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”
2 Corinthians 10:12 English Standard Version

Comparison is truly a joy stealer and it will keep us in bondage due to the impossibility of measuring up to others in our head. In contrast, when we are in the flow of the Holy Spirit, we are doing the work we have been assigned and not comparing the vastness or goodness of that work to others.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:13 English Standard Version

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
James 4:6 English Standard Version

Humbleness is key in not comparing ourselves with others and will ensure that we are doing the work that God has assigned. If you struggle with comparison, connect yourself to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, receiving instruction about your unique part in the body of Christ. This will assist in taking your eyes off of another’s assignment in God’s Kingdom.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado