Comparison: The Thief of Your True Identity

Summer Day 18

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:20-22.


Comparison: The Thief of Your True Identity

How many times have you looked at someone else’s life and compared it to your own? I mean, let’s be honest, I do this ALL the time. I am sure at least one mama out there can relate to me.

I would see someone with a cute outfit and think, “Wow, I wish I had her outfit.” I have been in other people’s homes and then thought that my home was ugly in comparison. But the worst area of comparison for me was beauty and body image. I struggled with this for years. I had a hard time believing I was pretty or thin enough. I would constantly compare myself to other women. Only when I fully surrendered this battle to Christ was I able to be free. I accepted myself through Christ’s eyes, stopped listening to the world and believed who God says I am.

There is so much in this life that the Enemy will use to distract you. Comparison–if you give in–is one of those distractions. Comparison is ultimately not trusting in who God has made you to be.

In the book of John, Simon Peter compared himself to the disciple Jesus loved. In chapter 21 verse 21, Peter wanted to know about John and what the Lord had in store for his life, just after Jesus had prophesied to Peter about his death. Jesus response to Peter is great: “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? YOU follow me.” John 21:22 NKJV

How often can we relate to the disciple Peter? Comparing our lives to others. Here Peter is more concerned with the disciple John’s calling than his own. My natural tendency would be like Peter’s, not listening to what God just spoke over my life but more concerned with my friend’s life. Surely there is no condemnation in comparison, but Jesus wants us to live in His fullness. His fullness is a life free of comparison. God knows our struggles, and His grace is sufficient for us every day. This awesome scripture reminds us to follow Jesus and nothing or no one else in this life.

Thank God every day for what you have, and who you are in Him. Surround yourself with women who will speak truth and life to you. Most importantly, spend time with Jesus in the Word and in worship because, as with any battle, it starts in your mind. Romans 12:2 reminds us that we need to renew our minds so that we don’t conform to the world. We renew our minds by spending alone time with Jesus.

My prayer is that you would know God made you perfectly; you lack nothing. Spend time with Jesus, ask Him to remind you of your identity in Him.

As you devote more time to God, you will be less distracted by the world and more content with who you are. Comparison has no control over your life; speak that every day if you need to. Set your eyes on Jesus alone and taste and see His goodness.

Go Deeper:
– Do you struggle with comparison?
– Are you spending quality time with Jesus every day? It will make a huge difference in your thought life and actions if you struggle with comparison.
– It is important for you to know who you are in Christ, your identity. Have you asked the Lord to show this to you?
– Do you often look at what others have, look like and how others act and question yourself in these areas?

What’s next?
Take time for yourself; get alone with Jesus and ask Him to remind you of your identity. If this is new for you, just pray and ask Him to reveal this to you.
Some things to ask: God, what have you designed me to accomplish? What are my purpose and calling? Who do you say I am? Be real, raw and honest with Him. He knows your heart and your struggles and wants you to draw near to Him. James 4:8 ESV says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

“There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him.”
– C. S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

summer 17

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Samantha Mast
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12 Comments on “Comparison: The Thief of Your True Identity”

  1. Sam what an amazing article! So true too! What a great reminder, especially in the summer season. I still struggle with these issues and need reminding! Love you and your heart, so glad to see you writing!

  2. When I’m in a women’s small group, I tend to look at everyone’s shoes! Thankfully, I don’t dwell on comparing their shoes to mine, but it’s awfully distracting. I mostly deal with other comparison issues: especially my lack of discipline in housecleaning! Thanks be to God, who does not look at the outside, but the inside of our hearts.

  3. This is such an important topic to discuss Samantha! I’m so thankful for your vulnerability and your honesty. I remember comparing myself to other moms who seemed to have it all together when my kids were little, and I always felt like I was not anywhere near as good of a mom as they were. I’m so thankful that the Lord helped me to overcome those feelings of insecurity so that I could confidently walk out the plan that he had for my life.
    Thanks so much for sharing your heart!

    1. You are very welcome Deb! So glad I could do it. Comparison is such a trap for so many. I pray freedom and love over any and all who struggle with it! And renewed minds for us to Listen to what God is speaking to us everyday!

  4. Thank you for this! The Lord has also been teaching me this! It is a hard lesson to learn but there is so much more joy in our lives when we are thankful and we keep our eyes on Jesus!

    1. Amen! We are so much more full without comparison in our lives. God has a specific plan for each of us. What freedom we have when we embrace this. So glad you read the study.

  5. How true! Comparing is such an identity thief. Samantha I love how you brought to light that when we compare we aren’t trusting in God and who He ultimately created us to be. Thanks for being transparent and writing so honestly by providing solutions that have helped you personally.

    1. So glad to do it MariJo! When we fully trust in who God has called us to be can we live in Gods fullness in this life. ?

  6. Samantha, what an honest look into our daily lives and I love how transparent you are! God has made us each beautiful, in His own image, and unless we seek Him we will not always understand or see this! Thank you for sharing!

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