Self-examination is essential for people, whether students, doctors, kids ministers, nomads, or athletes. As Christians live out their lives, there should be a constant push to improve, to serve better and bring the most glory to God. But self-examination loses its value when it transforms into comparison with others.
Here are 7 thoughts to consider when that kids ministry appears better than yours:
1. “Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
2. “Personality begins where comparison ends.” – Karl Lagerfield
3. “Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty.” – Unknown Author
4. “Comparison is a brutal assault upon oneself.” – Cameron Diaz
5. “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” – Steven Furtick
6. “Comparison is creative kryptonite. Stay in your own game.” – Marie Forleo
7. “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.” Paul, 2 Corinthians 10:12
In my walk with The Lord, “comparison” has proved itself to be a dirty word. Whether it tears me down or builds me up in arrogance, it’s of no good. So, I’ve decided to not only stop comparing my “chapter one” to another’s “chapter twenty,” but to also stop comparing my “chapter twenty” to everyone else’s “chapter twenty.” God is glorified in our attempts to serve Him, not in our attempts to be better than the guy next door. Let’s serve.
Cristy Whitlock serves with the Lifeway Kids Marketing Team. A native Texan, her heart for ministry led her to Nashville in 2013. Her passions include loving on African children, playing sports, and serving in college ministry, which she does at Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN.
