I published my very first blog post almost three years ago. I knew little about blogging, but I dove into a new adventure eager to share a little piece of my unique story. I was pleasantly surprised to connect with other bloggers, many of whom have filled my cup with encouraging words over the years. I’ve also enjoyed seeing the creative touches on other sites and reading blog posts that uplift me. If I’m not careful though, I wander into a trap.

Comparison.

When motherhood called, I joyfully embraced the gift of having a child of my own. As I’ve navigated my way through establishing routines, sleep schedules, and the daily duties of being a mom, I’ve often found encouragement in connecting with other moms. It’s refreshing to know that I’m not the only one who has dreamed of sleep, lived in yoga pants for days, and endured some interesting trips to the grocery store. Again though, this is an area where I’m prone to stumble into a trap.

Comparison.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
(Galatians 6:4 – NLT)

We are each on a unique journey, but there are times when the trap of comparison tries to lure us in and distract us away from experiencing life in the goodness of God’s design. When I choose comparison it leads to feelings of discontent.

Anyone else?

Comparison magnifies our flesh, rather than magnifying God.

God is glorified in our lives when we submit to His will. This may sound easy, but things like comparison come along and blur our perspective. Comparison has a close friend — fear. Fear keeps us from trusting that God intricately wove us together, equipping us with everything we need to live out our unique story.

Comparison makes us fear that we are not good enough just as we are, but surrender to God’s perfect love casts out fear.

At work, home, church, social gatherings, the grocery store, or wherever else we find ourselves, we either shine light or we don’t. When we compare, we become self-focused and His light in us dims. But when accept the way He wonderfully made us, His light shines through us so much brighter.

We are created to be reflectors of His goodness so that His message of love is multiplied to the ends of the earth. When our lives bear witness to the Gospel, it impacts the lives of those around us. The people we impact go on to impact more people, and the Good News spreads.

Comparison hinders us from living authentically.

No two sets of fingerprints are identical, and this is no mistake. God uniquely created us in His image and marked us with His stamp of approval.

[tweetthis]We each have something valuable to offer this world that only we can offer. @HannahBWrites #ShareTheBrew[/tweetthis]

The enemy laughs when we fall for the trap of comparison, because it keeps us from scattering seeds of life in world that desperately needs a good downpour of hope.

When we disguise our true self by trying to be someone else, we do a dis-service to God and His Kingdom. Comparing our looks to another, our talents to another, our parenthood to another, our relationships to another – it’s all a trap.

Envy is a lifeless road that robs us of joy and abundant living.

There is beauty in surrendering comparison. As we receive God’s love and accept the way He made us, we become free to embrace life as our Creator intended.

How has comparison impacted your life? What helps you avoid the trap of comparison?

Joyfully,
Hannah

Hannah is a wife, mom, and redeemed daughter of the One True King. She delights in running outdoors, baking sweet treats, creating crafts, and sipping coffee. She joyfully writes from her heart and inspires women to celebrate authentic beauty on her blog, Woven Beautiful. You can also connect with her for more encouragement on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.