Have you ever logged on to social media, did a little bit of scrolling, and almost immediately get discouraged? I don’t know how many times I’ve watched a video from a popular YouTuber or read a killer blog, and instead of feeling inspired, I began to feel bad. I know others people’s success shouldn’t bother me, but sometimes I can really get caught up comparing myself to others. I see other people straight-up killing it and everyone seems to be cheering them on.. all of a sudden what I’m excited about just doesn’t seem so cool anymore..

We live in a culture that is totally shaped and steered by comparison. Influence, value, and worth are almost synonymous with followers, clicks, and likes.

There’s nothing wrong with healthy competition. When I see people around me crush it, it usually motivates me to do my best work. However, it can also paralyze me and keep me from even trying. When I get caught up in the negative headspace of comparing myself to successful and popular personalities, I lock myself out of the place where I give myself permission to try.

Comparison can be a dream killer.

If I knew it would be impossible to fail, would my life look different? Most people aren’t afraid to fail, they’re afraid of looking like a failure. We care too much what other think. Sadly, most of us would rather be well-known than effective; liked than obedient.

Obedience

Jesus’ measurement of success was obedience. “Did I go after the thing you asked me to God? Did I give my best to the dream you put in my heart?”

Obedience is God’s answer to comparison

There comes a time when we become more concerned about doing what God told us to do than how I’m going to measure up to others.

The Lord asked me once: “Simon, would you rather be “Christian famous,” doing something I never asked you to do, or, spend your life running right in the middle of my unique call for you, without anyone ever knowing who you are?”

This settled it for me.

And when the weight of comparison comes back to weigh me down, I remind myself that I only get one life to live for God. I want to make the most of it.