Comparisons Keep Me Spinning

​Comparisons Keep Me Spinning
 
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3
 
I don't struggle too much with thinking more highly of myself than I ought, but I do struggle with thinking more lowly of myself than I ought. I have spent a lifetime playing the comparison game. From my perspective there is always someone prettier, smarter, younger, thinner, more creative, better equipped, wealthier, more athletic, or just plain more put together than me. The list is endless. The game never ends and I never seem to win. It's like the playground merry-go-around that spins and spins whispering "I wish. I wish. I wish."
 
Romans 12:3-7 paints a picture of relationships free from comparison. Paul states each one is to "think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." Did you catch it? After stating we are not to be haughty, he says we are to think with sober judgment. Being sober means that I am to be level headed, clear sighted, steady, not ruffled, swayed or clouded by emotion. Comparisons cloud my vision. Comparisons keep me from seeing what God sees. When I compare myself to others, I create an inequality.  I set myself on one side of the equation and my friends on the other, thus limiting my outcome to three basic solutions, greater than, less than, or equal to.
 
But, Paul says in Romans 12: 6-7 "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function...Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them." Where I only see three solutions, God sees infinite possibilities. Each one of us has something special to offer and we need to share it. My "it" may not be your "it" but they are both valuable and are meant to be used. I need to learn to value, cherish and use the gifts that God has given me. The people placed in my life are not there to be used as measuring sticks for my self-perceived worth. I am not meant to be in competition with those around me. I am meant to be in community with them. We are all pieces in God's jigsaw puzzle and the puzzle is only complete when the right pieces are connected in the correct places.
 
Lord,
I want to see myself the way you see me. I want to know my worth is grounded in you. I want off the comparison merry-go-round. I praise you for the wonderfully gifted women you have placed in this group. May each one know she is special, loved, and gifted. May we all use our gifts to help each other and bring you glory.

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