One of the things we are not so willing to admit (and some of us don’t even realize we do) is compared ourselves to others. Let’s face it, if we didn’t compare ourselves to others, several of us would be content with what we have and where we are at in life, but, we ALL do it. We are ALL guilty of it. We look at a person or group of people and we are in awe:  Wow! They have this house, that social network, this level of prestige, that degree, this talent, that skill, this job, that charisma… the list goes on and on. This eventually causes us to say, “They are so successful! They are amazing! They have it all together!” So, then what do we do? Well, instead of appreciating where we are at in our phase of life, we compare ourselves and say, “Man! I don’t even have half of what they have!” Consequently, we wind up placing their level of success as the standard for our lives. For the blog, click here.

DAILY DEVOTIONS

DAY 1

Scripture 1 Timothy 6:6-12 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Journal Let’s answer this question: Who are you jealous of and why? It’s important that in any situation we get completely honest with ourselves. To admit we have an issue is the first step to freedom. Let’s not allow ourselves to feel awkward in answering this question. Everybody has had an experience regarding this issue and we must first acknowledge that we have one. Knowing, specifically, why we are jealous will give light to some emotions and scars we must address. Let God know you are ready to be delivered from this.

DAY 2:

Scripture Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Journal Here’s another question for you: What are your internal thoughts about yourself when you compare yourself? How does it stunt your growth? Do you start stretching yourself too thin to keep up?  Beat yourself up? Become distracted and miss precious time with friends and family? Since we took yesterday, to be honest with ourselves, let’s now be open about the specific areas that make us feel worthless when we partake in the comparison game. In doing so, we will begin to realize that other people are not the root cause of our discontentment, but that of an insecure mindset and condition of the heart. Let’s declare we ARE set free and will no longer place ourselves at a deficit.

DAY 3:

Scripture Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Journal Let’s take some time to soak in the love God has for us. Read Psalm 139 and insert your name in the scriptures as you read them. Isn’t it good?!!!That’s how special we are to Him! That’s how much He loves us! That passage is the very reason why we should realize how uniquely designed and special we are. We exist for a specific purpose. Take some time to think about that and allow God’s Word to change your way of thinking.

DAY 4:

Scripture Proverbs 30: 7-9 Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Journal What’s in your box of priorities? Start making a list of what’s important to you right now in this season of your life. As long as you are focused on your priorities and bettering yourself day to day, there won’t be any time to concern yourself with what’s in someone else’s box.

DAY 5:

Scripture Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Journal What will you do to keep yourself from “sneaking a peak”? Take today to write down healthy boundaries to keep yourself from the comparison game. What is (are) your trigger(s)? Is it social media? Television? Certain conversations you have with friends? Create strict and specific boundaries (or cut certain activities off entirely), so that your thoughts are not bombarded with another person’s “box.”

DAY 6:

Scripture  Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Journal The person you are jealous of is not your enemy, but jealousy will warp your mind into treating that person as if he/she is. Take the time to write a sweet prayer over that person. Pray blessings over every aspect of his/ her life. Watch your heart begin to change. Share your prayer with them if you feel led.

“Just look at your own calling, believers; not many [of you were considered] wise according to human standards, not many powerful or influential, not many of high and noble birth. 27 But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]. 28 God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, 29 so that no one may [be able to] boast in the presence of God.1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (Amplified)

Prayer People have called us names, looked down on us, didn’t believe in us, and might not have understood us. Lord, we will not allow those things to dictate how we feel about ourselves because we know you believe in us and are molding us into something profound.

Journal Write a brief letter to yourself from God. What do you believe He is trying to tell you?