The Thief Of Joy
We’ve all done it. Scrolling through social media, we see a friend’s picture-perfect home, a colleague’s fabulous vacation, or a celebrity’s glamorous life, and we can’t help but compare. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” yet we continue to fall into this trap. Why do we subject ourselves to this unnecessary pain?
Recently, I found myself doing just that. I was admiring the beautifully decorated homes on Instagram, filled with charming fireplaces, festive entrance tables, and walls adorned with perfectly curated family photos. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy as I looked around my own home. My fireplace has decorations that rarely change, my entrance table is cluttered with daily life, and my walls remain mostly bare, even though I’ve lived here for three years. Oh, and let’s not forget the Christmas tree that stayed up for three years straight!
But as I sat there comparing, I remembered something my sister once told me: “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.” This quote reminds me that comparison leaves us either feeling inferior and bitter or superior and vain—both of which are traps.
12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
As I’ve been reading about Moses and the Exodus from Egypt, I’m struck by how the Lord used skilled people to construct the sanctuary.
Exodus 36:1 NIV
1 So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded.”
Imagine if one of these craftsmen’s wives had thought, “Oh, great, I married a tent maker,” while secretly wishing she had married a priest or prophet instead. Little did she know that her husband’s skills were a divine gift meant for the Lord’s work.
Maybe decorating isn’t my strong suit, and maybe my writing skills aren’t where I want them to be. But perhaps I am exactly who the Lord intended me to be, and so are you.
So, let’s stop comparing ourselves to others. Instead, let’s focus on the unique gifts God has given us. We all have a purpose, and our worth isn’t found in how our lives stack up against others. It’s found in fulfilling the role He designed for us.
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Let’s end with a prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to resist the urge to compare myself to others and to find contentment in who You have made me to be. May I always find joy in Your presence and peace in knowing that I am exactly who You intended me to be. Amen.
A great reminder!
You are so right. “Most” adults know that what they see is only the “outside” of a person’s life, and if they know the other person well they also know everything “isn’t” perfect. That’s why our society’s mental health issues have skyrocketed through the roof, especially in teenagers. They see others’ post, and feel they are inadequate or superior, which both have nothing to do with the person they truly are. I hope we can get something figured out and help those who need it the most. If we stop and say to ourselves: “Is it enough?” “Are we happy?” and if not, figure out why we aren’t and work towards that goal WITHOUT using others’ posts and ideals as our own. THANK YOU for your SUNDAY posts…I always love reading them before Church!
I agree 👍 We also have to remember how people use photo shop and make their skin look flawless when it’s not or write post that are not exactly true. We compare ourselves to others based on information that is not accurate. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by our heavenly Father. Let’s let go and let God handle our lives. As the Bible states let’s be content with such things as we have because He will never leave us or forsake us. We can boldly say the Lord is my helper
Goodness, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t use a filter or some version of a photo editor. No photo ever comes out of the camera without needing a little help.
You are so real and an open book. This is refreshing because I can so relate. Bless you !
I think that this is a great reminder to love ourselves and stop comparing ourselves to others. Thank you for your wise words
Tanya,
I love this post . Your sister hit the nail on the head. You’re right we’ve all done it !
I no longer go on Facebook because it brings you to that unhappy place !
The readings are beautiful . Thank you for your inspiration this morning . God is good ! I love your Sundays post !
Thank you
Erin
Boy, this post says it all! In a world where we have so many ways to measure ourselves against others, comparison truly is the thief of joy! Finding contentment and joy in who we are, what we have, and the lives we lead (without “keeping up with” others) is essential for our well being. Thank you so much for your message today! 🙏
Perfectly said, Jackie.
Love your message today it is so true I needed this let me use what God has given me in his own unique way.
There is nothing as satisfying as finding your joy, peace and contentment in Jesus.
AMEN, Sister! I don’t use social media and one of the main reasons is anyone can publish anything they want and we have no idea if it is reality. It’s like what my mama taught me about graffiti, “fools’ names and fools’ faces often seen in public places”! What’s worse about social media is that what is written cannot be washed off or painted over. It’s out there forever!
Thank you for your musings today. They are very important reminders.
Great message, Sunday blessings to you!