Over the Christmas holidays, Dave and I drove to Nevada, Arizona and Colorado. Countless times, we were stuck behind a semi-truck, inching its way up a mountain pass.  If not that, double yellow lines prevented us from passing, and even where they didn’t interfere, it was difficult to see around the larger truck.  We had no idea if there was a fleet of other semis in front of that one.

We commented on how much easier it is to drive in Mexico where those large trucks pull over onto the shoulder and put their left blinker on, indicating it is safe for the vehicle behind to pass.  Why hasn’t that caught on in America?  I mean, it is such a friendly gesture, not to mention a time-saver for those of us who are always in a hurry.  Think of the benefits.

Comparison is so easy, yet it can be a dangerous game, can’t it?  Just as soon as I focus on what our country lacks, I have to remind myself of all it offers that is far superior to others.  We Americans know that the list is endless…which is why so many people are trying to come here to live.  Yes, even from Mexico.

Teddy Roosevelt called comparison “the thief of joy.”  So, why is it human nature to want what someone else has? Their hair.  Talent.  Sense of humor.  Charisma.  Height.  Weight.  Self-discipline.  Marriage. Walk with the Lord.

 

The problem with too many comparisons is they aren’t based in reality.  If I’m feeling “less than” because my kids have colored the walls with each other’s blood or the laundry is piled on the living room floor or the smell of burnt spaghetti sauce lingers in the air, all the while comparing myself to my friend on Facebook with the perfectly decorated house whose kids are sitting upright on the couch, smiling and holding hands, I’m in trouble.

We risk exposing ourselves to either pride or low self-esteem when we compare ourselves to others, but there is a type of comparison that can move us toward good…toward God.  I know two Christian women whom I want to emulate.  By comparison, I fail.  They are gentle, kind, soft-spoken, non-judgmental and unselfish.  I need improvement in all five of those areas.  I learn from those ladies and admire them.  Romans 9:21 tells us that God is the potter; we are the clay. I love that He has molded these women with such a beautiful, generous faith.  They make me want to be a better person.  Still, they are not perfect. Romans 3:23 makes that clear.  All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

When we are tempted to compare, we need only to look to Jesus, knowing that He is holy and good and we are not.  1 Peter 2:22 ESV tells us so: He (Jesus) committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.  He is the only model we need to follow, so the next time we’re tempted to want what someone else has or to be like someone else, we need to change our focus to the One who is “more than.”  With that, we cannot fail.