John 15: 19, Galatians 6: 3-4, Philippians 4: 6-7

Rachel Nixon

I was intrigued a month or so ago by a TV program that talked about personality types, behaviour patterns etc. My answers seemed to get miscalculated so I thought I'd take a test online. "On a personal level, you're sensitive. You may worry too much about how you compare to others, and your mood suffers under such intense personal scrutiny." It read.

The results to my surprise were very acccurate, although things I mostly already knew. This one point got me thinking about how much I, we, do compare ourselves to other people. My eyes have really been opened recently to just how much I personally do this without actually realising it. And without knowing it the effect it has on me, us. I thought I'd share with you some thoughts.

It's important when you see other people not to feel second best in your heart, or that you can't compare in whatever way. Sounds obvious, but it's hard sometimes, remember pray and emulate only Jesus, He is the only one who we should look to for confidence, and to who we really are.

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15: 19)"

It seems to grow and grow every year at an alarming rate: Be this, look like this, do this and if you're not this you're worthless. Don't compare yourself to the world. Don't fall into the trap. Be in the world but not of it. You are created in the image of God, it does not matter if we do not match up to the world's vision of success or happiness. What does matter is the state of our heart.

"If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else." (Galatians 6: 3-4)

Test what you do and the measure of your character against the character of God. Take a godly pride in the uniqueness of how you are created by God. Be the person God has created you to be, grow and learn all the time but don't compare and compromise yourself.

It seems easy to say all this stuff, but its another task believing it. Pray that you will know in your heart that God does love you and pray that you will love yourself as God does. Pray that you will be so closely connected to God that your image reflects His. His love for you not only received but also understood in your hearts.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 6-7)

Finally pray about everything. Pray that you will not be anxious, pray God will show you who you are in Him and that you do not need to compare yourself to anyone other than Him. Pray you'll have an open heart to know His way the best.