It's so easy to look at others and dream of having what they do. The grass is greener is a well known saying because it resonates with people so well. Even if we have a perfectly good house, family, whatever we need, it's so tempting to look at what others are doing with those same things and wish we could-
decorate our house farm style
go on amazing vacations
cook gourmet every night
afford those clothes
have time to devote to a hobby
You see, the world is full of what ifs and why not me. Especially with the arrival of social media, we see into each other's lives more and more. At least the life people want us to see. Behind those beautiful filters and perfectly staged photos, the main struggle in their life is the same thing you face: sin. There's no such thing as the perfect life this side of heaven. And Satan knows if he keeps us busy searching for the great missing part of our life, we'll also miss out on the joys God has given us where we are. If we constantly search for happiness by comparing our lot in life with what we see from others, we'll overlook what God has called us to do where we are and with what he has given.
Comparing ourselves with others doesn't just lead to a lack of gratitude in our lives. It keeps us from serving God.
Galatians 1:10 is a verse I continually remind myself of.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
When we fall into the habit of comparing our life with those around us and desiring what they have instead of what God has given us, we are essentially being man pleasers. If we were completely honest, most of what we would do different in our lives is driven by a selfish motivation. We want to look good. We want to be known as talented. We want people to ask us for advice...fill in the blank.
Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we need to strive to serve God where we are and rejoice at what we have been given.
Photo by leonardo wong on Unsplash