I sat down with my coffee and phone and opened the Instagram app. Immediately, as I scrolled, discouragement set in. Look how well she wrote that devotion. Wow, her video is so professional. My favorite blog accepted her work. Then the lies poured in. “You are not good enough.” “Who do you think you are, that you could actually encourage women in their walk with the Lord?” “You will never be a published author.”

Has this happened to you? The comparison game. It is definitely not a fun game. It is a torturous game that brings no good to anyone. You may not feel called to ministry, but I am sure that as you scroll, some insecurity becomes exposed. Maybe you don’t like the home you live in or the car you drive. Perhaps you do not like what you see when you look in the mirror or step on the scale. Do you covet the clothes you see others wearing as you scroll through social media? Or maybe you are jealous of how secure and outgoing that co-worker is as she posts her pictures.

Comparison is just one of many methods the enemy uses to distract us from the purpose we are designed for.

Whatever you struggle with when comparing yourself, it is not healthy or helpful. Nothing good comes from coveting what others have. Jesus reminds us of this in Luke 12:15, “And He said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

God provides us with all we need. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

When we have a roof over our head and food on our table, we are abundantly blessed. That new outfit, car, or more updated house may be nice, but it is not a necessity.

As you compare your looks to others, remember Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Did you catch that? You are an image bearer of God. Let that sink in. When you look in the mirror, you bear God’s image.  You have been designed as a unique person, with a purpose only you can fulfill. As you become a Christian, you are a host to the Holy Spirit; God’s Spirit lives inside of you. Do not minimize that.

As thoughts of comparison start to creep in, remember that you have God’s Spirit within you. Wow, what an honor! When I truly reflect on it, I am humbled. Don’t allow the enemy to make you feel less than God created you to be.

Take some time to write down all the things God has blessed you with. Then, when the comparison thoughts begin to take over, read over them to remind yourself of the truth.

What have you coveted recently? Who have you compared yourself to? What is the truth?