I am convinced the great robbery that takes place in most of our lives is…wait for it…

Comparison.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

We can argue with that statement, we can ignore it, we can pretend it isn’t true, but the fact of the matter is that it is a fact! Comparison does steal joy from our hearts.

Think about it, when you’re starting to feel somewhat accomplished in something, the moment you see someone else doing it, saying it, working it better than you, your entire countenance drops. Suddenly, you feel like fading into the background. Or maybe you’re a personality type who masks the emotion with loudness, competition, and false boldness. Either way, you’ve been robbed. Guess who was the culprit? YOU.

We have the power to stop ourselves when the ugly head of comparison arises. The opportunity to rest in confidence is open to us all.

It’s not some fanciful idea, this idea that we can be secure in our own skin. It’s not some fairytale. It is very possible! I feel like the Apostle Paul:
“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” Phil. 1:6 AMP

Jesus has begun a beautiful work in you. Don’t let eyes of comparison be your guide. Refuse to allow yourself to see everything and everybody through a filter of comparison.

“But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” Gal. 6:4-5 ESV

If we are going to compare ourselves to anyone, let’s compare ourselves to “ourselves”. Test your own work. Are you doing what God has called YOU to do? Are you accomplishing what God has set YOU out to accomplish? Everyone’s journey is different. The ultimate destination, the same – walking the streets of Glory with Jesus; the journey and course may look a little different from others. Thus, the reason to not live in comparison.

I am determined more than ever to walk in FREEDOM from comparison, which will result in joy unspeakable and full of glory!

And, that, my friend, is true living! Don’t allow the great robbery ever again.