Overcoming Comparison Traps
Overcoming Comparison Traps
“Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
Why is it called a comparison trap? Because there are no wins in comparisons. They ensnare us as athletes and kill our confidence.
When we compare ourselves with others, we either end up feeling superior or inferior, both of which lead to heart level wrestles with pride and control. There is no middle ground. It is no wonder the Apostle Paul says, “when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” 2 Corinthians 10:12.
All throughout Scripture, we see comparison traps.
When we compare ourselves with others, we either end up feeling superior or inferior, both of which lead to heart level wrestles with pride and control. There is no middle ground. It is no wonder the Apostle Paul says, “when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” 2 Corinthians 10:12.
All throughout Scripture, we see comparison traps.
- Luke 18:9-14 – A Pharisee exalts himself as superior to a tax collector.
- 1 Samuel 18:7-8 – King Saul compares himself to David feeling inferior, for “they have ascribed to David ten thousands and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom? And Saul eyes David from that day on.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:4-5 – The Corinthian church compared Paul to Apollos, leading to great division as many began to pick sides.
Comparing ourselves to other competitors is not wise. Yet, so many of us sill struggle to overcome this snare. Thankfully, there is victory through Jesus Christ!
Why do we compare?
Deep down behind it all—comparisons start in the HEART.
Our struggles with comparisons are not caused by outside circumstances like poor performance, playing time, stats, or other’s opinions. Comparisons stem from the inside—in the heart.
Possible sources can include:
Our struggles with comparisons are not caused by outside circumstances like poor performance, playing time, stats, or other’s opinions. Comparisons stem from the inside—in the heart.
Possible sources can include:
- Pride (We want to be praised and respected by men, so we compare to see where we stand and try to control others opinions)
- Insecurity (We feel insecure, so we seek to validate ourselves through performance and what others think of us)
- Past hurts (We have been wounded by others resulting in bitterness and unforgiveness. As a result, we become a slave to these hurts, which lead to comparisons, pride, and trying to control our circumstances.)
- Idolatry (We are worshiping self and sport thinking great success will satisfy our souls. This leads to selfish ambition, jealousy, control, and pride)
- Misplaced Identity (We believe our worth and value is determined by our performance and what others think of us. Therefore, we get ensnared in comparisons to prove we are somebody of value.)
How do we overcome comparison traps?
1. Get Inside Out
Strong confidence starts in the HEART. In Mark 12:30, Jesus says, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." I believe the order matters. Heart - Soul - Mind - Strength.
When we win in the heart FIRST, we remain intimately connected to Jesus Christ, the Power Source, and we guard it against enemies like pride, unforgiveness, bitterness, and idolatry, which destroy confidence.
If we miss the heart, we miss the roots.
When we win in the heart FIRST, we remain intimately connected to Jesus Christ, the Power Source, and we guard it against enemies like pride, unforgiveness, bitterness, and idolatry, which destroy confidence.
If we miss the heart, we miss the roots.
2. Get Eyes Vertical
Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” When our eyes are focused horizontally on our circumstances, performances, and other’s opinions, anxiety and the temptation to compare increases.
To overcome comparison traps, we must surrender the horizontal.
When we do, and we intentionally get our eyes VERTICAL on the Lord, on His promises (our Identity in Christ) and eternal purpose, we are strengthened to walk in victory.
To overcome comparison traps, we must surrender the horizontal.
When we do, and we intentionally get our eyes VERTICAL on the Lord, on His promises (our Identity in Christ) and eternal purpose, we are strengthened to walk in victory.
3. Offensive Mindset
The Apostle Paul was one of the most courageous, strong, and mentally tough men ever to walk the planet. He wrote to the Philippians, “ But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).
The Apostle Paul had an offensive mindset. He was on the attack pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
When we go on the attack by:
The Apostle Paul had an offensive mindset. He was on the attack pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
When we go on the attack by:
- Pursuing intimacy with Jesus daily
- Standing firm in our Identity in Christ
- Taking thoughts captive
- Pressing on toward the vision God has put in our hearts
We get renewed strength to overcome comparison traps!
With an offensive mindset, our focus is on the target ahead— competing for Christ!
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