Have you ever found yourself caught up in comparison? Felt discouraged because things in your life have not gone according to (your) plan? I, too, have struggled with comparing myself (my family, life, ministry, etc.) to others at times. As you may know, this quickly leads to discouragement and despair. It causes you to stumble and often fall when you try to run someone else’s race instead of your own. The truth is, we are not in competition with each other. We are each running our own race to attain our own prize, and more importantly, we are on the same team! #TeamJesus
In this three part series I will share tips for running your own race:
- Avoiding Comparison
- Running with Endurance
- Winning Your Race
Keys to Avoiding Comparison
Growing up, I found myself constantly comparing myself to others. I always felt like I came up short. I ran myself ragged trying to please everyone and become worthy of their love and approval. It was exhausting and left me feeling empty and unworthy. Today, the urge to compare still creeps up now and again, but God has provided the tools to break free from comparison.
The truth is that God created each of us uniquely. He has not called us to compete with others at all. The race we are running is meant for us alone. It has been specifically designed to help us all fulfill our unique purpose.
Running your own race means focusing on what you were called and created to do, not on what others are doing.
It does not matter how “perfect” someone else’s life seems, or how large their ministry is, all that matters is your faithfulness to what God has created you to do.
Here are three keys to help you run your race well:
1. Pay attention to your own work, not another’s
Galatians 6:4-5 (NLT) Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
We were each created with a unique calling. No two people are the same, which is why comparison destroys destinies!
When you begin to compare yourself to another, you partner with fear, which produces anxiety in your life. You will never measure up to your comparison of another because you are unlike any other.
I have friends who everyone seems drawn to. They are so sweet and it seems like everyone loves them. Then you have me. I live in a black and white world and am very passionate at times. Right is right and wrong is wrong. I have to be intentional at reaching out to others because I enjoy the peace found in my own little bubble. I am not athletic or super crafty. I cannot carry a tune and am not at all musically inclined. What I am is even better. Not because my gifts and talents are any better than or more important than yours, but because they help me to fulfill my unique purpose on earth. I am a writer. I am a teacher and a communicator. I am passionate and bold. I am able to inspire and help others in their faith in my own unique way. I am the best mother for my children and wife for my husband. I am a loyal and caring friend. I am compassionate and a great encourager. #ThisIsMe
I’d love to hear what makes you uniquely you. Leave a comment with #ThisIsMe on this post.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by it’s ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid” – Albert Einstein
2. Stop worrying about what others think and say of you
Galatians 1:10 (NASB) For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
God’s opinion of you is the one that matters most. Don’t allow others’ voices to overshadow the voice of God in your life.
When you find yourself worrying about the opinions of others, begin to declare God’s promises for you. Knowing who you are in Christ provides a firm foundation from which to run your race.
Throughout my life I have found I often have more naysayers than supporters. People fear what they cannot control and don’t understand. Misery truly does love company, and the words of others will destroy you if you let them. I love the song by Lauren Daigle, You Say because it reminds me I am not who others say I am, but who God says I am. When I feel hurt by the lies and slander of others, I blast this and sing (off-key of course) from the top of my lungs, letting God’s truth wash over me and cleanse my weary heart.
Proverbs 29:25 (NLT) Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.
3. Celebrate the Successes of Others
James 3:16 (NASB) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
Comparison leads to jealousy and strife (Psalm 73:2-3; Exodus 20:17)
When you stop seeing others as your competition, you can begin to genuinely rejoice with them. Remember, when one of our brothers or sisters in Christ succeeds, we all win! #TeamJesus
Even if you find it challenging at first, intentionally rejoice and celebrate the success of others. Pray for their continued and increased success. In time, your heart will be transformed and it will come naturally!
I would love to hear from you! What are some of the struggles you have encountered in trying to run your own race? What have you found helpful to avoid comparison? I look forward to your comments and feedback!
Blessings,
Katie
