Daily Devotional

Comparison Trap

by Lise Bachman-Karnes on May 31, 2022

I’ve noticed something that consistently happens in my yard: about February the trees start blossoming. We have one plum tree that is always the first to blossom, then the apple tree and the other plum tree blossom. The weeping cherry tree in the front yard is always last. There is no race to be first, no competition. I think this is the same as the church’s members. We blossom at different times as we were created to do. I don’t need to try to be a Christian like Sandy Harmon or Barbara Head, I consistently blossom as God has planned for me to do, no competition, no cutting in line.

On a similar note, I once did a children’s sermon about Cookie Cutter Christians. I had made a long line of paper dolls and stretched that out for the kids. The point of the story was that the children would grow into the Christians God wanted them to be. Each one different, not copies of each other. I think the visual helped make my point.

I see this also in my work with third grade girls on Wednesday nights with TeamKid. For some of the girls, learning the memory verse is easy and quick. For others, it is more difficult, but they are better at finding Bible verses asked for in the lessons. Of course, it is also noticeable during the sport of the night. Some perform easily while other struggle to learn the rules or are less coordinated than the champs.

For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” Romans 12: 4-6a

Looking at another’s gifts or talents with envy can cause you to be discontent with how God has uniquely made you and perhaps miss the specific plans He has for you. Simply seek to find joy in the person God made you to be and the unique plans that He has for your life. Don’t get into the comparison trap. Simply seek to be faithful and you will have greater joy.

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