How often do you find yourself comparing yourself to someone else? In our world of social media and advertising, it can feel impossible not to compare ourselves. We scroll for five minutes and see perfect vacations, Pinterest-worthy living rooms, and people who seem to have the “perfect” work-life balance.

Where do those thoughts lead you? For me, it always leads to feeling “less than,” inadequate, and insecure. I don’t have the decor, vacations, or balance all those people seem to have.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Theodore Roosevelt said that. Isn’t that the truth?!

The enemy of our souls often uses comparison to distract us from experiencing the abundant life Jesus died to give us. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Comparison produces discontentment with what we have and leads to feelings of disappointment, rejection, and envy. Rather than seeing and appreciating our blessings, we focus on our perceived lack. We remove the opportunity to experience joy when we constantly focus on our lack.

This is not God’s will for you or me. We are created as unique, one of a kind individuals in the image of Him. When we compare ourselves to others it’s always going to be comparing a painting from Monet with a sculpture from Michaelangelo. Are they different? Of course. Do their differences diminish the beauty of one or the other? Absolutely not. They are beautiful in the fact that they were created with care and intention.

And so were you.

We are all different. We each have a unique purpose that reflects our individual stories and the way we are wired. And that truth is worth celebrating! We were not created to be or look like other people. Jesus died to give you your life abundantly. Not someone else’s life.

You were created to be YOU.

As we consider how “fearfully and wonderfully made” we really are, we have the opportunity to choose to be grateful for who we are and what we have. When we come from that level of awareness and appreciation, we experience a confidence in ourselves that pleases our Creator and blesses the world around us.

So if comparison has been stealing your joy, how about joining me in discovering what makes you the amazing individual you are? After all, the world benefits from you being authentically you… and so will you! If you’d like to experience a complimentary call to learn more about discovering your Abundant Purpose, contact me: https://www.drrichelle.com/set-up-a-call