Comparison.
Comparison is an enemy in the Kingdom and the world in general.
If I arrive at the gym and start comparing myself with someone who doesn’t use the RX weights and I am proud that I AM doing the RX weights, I’ve just killed the opportunity to improve, because I already think I’m the best, or certainly better than THAT person.
And, honestly, that’s just pride. Plain and simple.
Pride is the precursor of disgrace, as quoted in Proverbs 11:2
If I arrive at the gym and compare myself with the athletes who compete at state and national levels, then I have just opened the door to all sorts of discouragement and condemnation because “I’ll never be as good as they are and I might as well quit now.”
If we compare ourselves with others in the Kingdom, we have failed our task and the test.
My kingdom tasks are going to look different than your kingdom tasks.
Comparison will either kill the opportunity for improvement (because I am better than you) or open the door of hopelessness and dismay (thinking I’ll never be enough).
In nature, God created not just one type of fowl, fish, beast or plant, but myriads upon myriads of subspecies within a species. Each is somewhat the same, yet completely different. Each has been created for a unique purpose.
The sea anemone provides the clownfish with protection and shelter, while the clownfish provides the anemone nutrients in the form of waste while also scaring off potential predator fish.
Each vastly different, yet harmonious when operating in the bounds of the given purpose.
Think of plant pollinators and plants. [Bees / flowers] Purpose descriptions are completely different, yet when working together, they help keep this planet alive!
Even though we humans are of the same species, our purposes will vary greatly one from another. It is futile to compare.
Rather than looking at the neighbors, understand your own purpose and walk in it.
This does not mean we do not learn from others or ignore those who are performing tasks better than we are. Just don’t slip and fall on the step of comparison. Avoid it altogether.
Stop scrolling through social media thinking “Oh wow, I could never do that. She/he is so talented.”
Well maybe you aren’t meant to do that exact thing. You’re not supposed to be imitating someone else’s purpose.
God designed you with a unique purpose in mind.
What opportunities are in front of you, right now? Step into them.
What are the things that you get passionate about? Don’t know? Start experimenting!
What needs or gaps do you see that others do not? Fill those spaces.
Get off the comparison wagon; refuse to even bother with it.
Know your purpose. Own it.
Go change the world with it.
How to fail the Kingdom test? Comparison.
Avoid it altogether.
We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose.
Bob Goff