The Comparison Trap

Comparison is defined by Webster as “an examination of two or more items to establish similarities and dissimilarities, or to denote different levels of quality, quantity, or relation.” It is human nature to compare. We all do it, right? But is there a problem with comparison?

When we begin comparing ourselves to someone else, chances are we will either feel better about ourselves, which can lead to pride, or we will feel worse about ourselves, which can lead to feelings of inferiority or discouragement because we feel less than. It can even lead to jealousy. Either way, the problem remains the same. We are still focused on ourselves.

The good news is that we can look to what God says about comparison, whether it shows up in our physical appearance, personality, work, family, hobbies, sports, or even our spiritual lives, just to name a few. I have fallen into comparison more times than I can count. God only knows.

“But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4–5). We do not have to live in comparison. God is not comparing us to others. He tells us that each of us is responsible for our own work.

One of my favorite verses, which I often need to remind myself of, also warns against comparison. The apostle Paul writes with boldness and conviction, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they measure themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). You can engage in comparison, but God clearly warns against it, and you will not be wise when you do.

True wisdom found in Christ sees each person as unique and created by God for His glory, not for our own. We find our validation, acceptance, calling, and identity in Christ alone. We will never find these through comparison, which is a trap that sets us up for failure. Instead of being for others and genuinely interested in them, we can become inwardly focused and even opposed to others when our attention is fixed on self.

Let us examine our thoughts. Are we caught in the comparison trap? If so, what feelings follow? Do you feel like you do not measure up, leading to hopelessness or despair? Or, on the opposite end, do you feel overly confident in yourself, which leads to pride? As the quote says, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”

Sometimes there is confusion between feeling bad about yourself and true humility. Feeling bad about yourself is not humility. Humility is tied to the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 22:4). Scripture says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Did you know you have an enemy of your soul? “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We know Satan comes to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10), but Jesus came to give life, and life to the full.

We must fight for joy and guard against the trap of comparison. Freedom comes when we lay down comparison and fix our eyes on Christ and His Kingdom.