Day 31: Comparison: The Thief of Your True Identity

“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, to be honest, I do this all the time. I am sure at least one mama out there can relate to me.

I have seen someone with a cute outfit and thought, “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 and would constantly compare myself to other women. Only when I fully surrendered this battle to Christ was I able to be free from comparison. 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 to it, is one of those distractions. When comparing, you are ultimately not trusting God for who He 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 John’s 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 and instead being 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 from comparison. God knows our struggles, and His grace is sufficient for us every day. This awesome Scripture reminds us to follow Jesus instead of being concerned with what other people are doing in relation to us.

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 this battle 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, and 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.

Blessings and Love,

Samantha

Go Deeper:

Do you struggle with comparison? Spending quality time with Jesus every day will make a huge difference in your thoughts and actions.

It is important for you to know who you are in Christ, your identity. Ask the Lord to show this to you.

Do you often look at what others have, what they look like, and how they 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 for the first time.

Some things to ask God: What have you designed me to accomplish? What are my purpose and my calling?

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

Samantha Mast
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