Don’t Compare Yourself with Others!
I recently read an inspiring story about a man who during his childhood was an attendant at a public toilet at Bantama, a suburb of Kumasi in Ghana. This man by the assistance God brought to him in diverse ways was able to complete his basic education, secondary education, obtain a bachelor’s degree from the University in Geomatic Engineering and obtained a double Masters of Science Degree from two different universities. He subsequently obtained a PhD and at the age of 38, he is already a professor and Dean at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa (Ghana).
As I reflected on his story I was happy for him and awed at what God had wrought. Being a relatively young academician myself, my thoughts turned to myself and I started to compare my journey with his, to benchmark my progress with his and to wonder if I could arrive at the same destination in the record time in which he has. Thankfully, I immediately reprimanded myself.
I remembered that everything that had happened in my life was equally needful and meaningful for the destination God had for me. Nothing had delayed and everything was on course. What is more, God is working out His purposes in my life, to bring me to an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11).
It’s easy to compare ourselves with others and think we are behind in one regard or another. (If the delay has not been caused by your own laziness, you need not worry). Reprimand yourself when you are tempted to compare yourself with others. God created us for different purposes and has different destinations in mind for each one of us. What’s more, the events we experience on life’s journey can be used to relate with others and encourage them that God is going to bring them through as well.
When upon life’s billows you are tempted tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Johnson Oatman Jr.
Comments (19)
They comparing themselves with another be not wise…
I’m inspired thanks Aunt
You are welcome Abrefi.
Another good message. Yes we can’t compare our selves with others. Comparing to the scripture Jeremiah 29:11. Romans 8:28 also given us the good way to accept conditions in our life, they that loves him the Lord. Bless you
I have been on this journey just last month where God reminded me to not focus on others journey but my own. The key scripture was Heb 12:1-2. Sue you are a vessel used daily to bless and inspire us. Love u always sis.
Amen and God bless you too sis; love you too.
Thanks Sue for this encouraging piece.
I will add that, instead of comparing ourselves to others, we can decide, rather, to seek inspiration from them and learn from their experiences.
Comparing can sometimes lead to envy, jealousy and, even to, covetousness. But when we try to find out how they made it in life, we will be amazed by the opportunities we can uncover in our own lives .
For example, the bible does not tell us to compare ourselves to Jesus; but, to look up to him and learn from what he did; with the hope that we may be encouraged in our walk with God (Hebrews 12:2).
You are welcome David and thanks for your comments.
Thank you for the wonderful message
Frankly speaking, it’s unhealthy to do so.
God bless you!
I have been on this journey just last month where God reminded me to not focus on others journeys but my own. The key scripture was Heb 12:1-2. Sue you are a vessel used daily to bless and inspire us. Love u always sis.
Lord thanks for who I am now, I trust you have the best for me.
Thanks Aunty Suzzy
Hi Sue. Thanks for this. I am not at all for comparing myself with others. There are however times when you reflect on life and realise you HAVE BEEN lazy and could learn a thing or two from how a neighbour has managed to succeed despite their odds…♀️…can they not birth admiration and drive to press on?
Hi Rachel, thanks a lot for your response. I totally agree with you about learning from others rather than just comparing yourself to them or worse being jealous or envious.
Great piece. Thanks dear
You are welcome and thank you for reading.
You are welcome and thanks for reading.
Loved it.
Thanks Alex, I am glad that you found it helpful.