Encouraging others to deepen their true, abiding joy in Christ
The Four-Letter Word That Trips Me Up
One of the many things I still struggle with every so often is comparing my life to other people’s lives. Here are some things I compare about myself with others. I compare my age to other people my age who are married or engaged. I compare myself to people who went to college, sometimes wishing that I had gone to college. I compare my art with other people’s art. I even compare my life to seemingly “normal” people’s lives.
Really, all this boils down to is the little tiny four-letter word “envy.” We don’t like to use that word; at least, I don’t. When I use the word “compare” it doesn’t seem as sinful. I mean, who wants to admit that they struggle with envy? No one, because it hurts our pride or it will maybe hurt a relationship. But in order to get victory over envy (or whatever you struggle with) we have to recognize that we need help. I know I won’t ever get the victory over envy here on earth without the Lord’s help. It’s so easy to mindlessly scroll through Facebook and get green with envy. I’ve been there. I have done that many times, and I’m pretty sure most of us have done that once or twice. I believe Facebook has a lot of positive things about it. Hello, I’ve communicated with people from London and Ireland before, so I’m not saying it’s horrible. When I get on Facebook now, though, there has to be a good reason.
I am still learning that I must find my full acceptance and value in Christ. It doesn’t matter what I look like or what scholarship I get or don’t get. Christ is enough! God is going to give us abilities and allow us to be a part of great things. We shouldn’t find our joy in what success God has given us because success will come and go. Instead we should find our joy in what He’s done for us. We are precious in His sight. We are valuable to Him!
Romans 8:18 says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
I can compare my life with others, but it’s not going to change anything. To some people who are quadriplegic, my life may look easy. No matter how we look at life, there’s always someone going through something worse than we’re going through. That’s why I long for Heaven. Yes, I’ll look forward to talking again and seeing Jesus. But I’m most looking forward to not struggling with my flesh and the struggle of bitterness and envy.
Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Thanks so much Abigail, i really needed this. It is never good for anyone to compare their life with others and that never works for anyone. Puting God first is the key for anything in life even when life gets tough and he will give the blessing we never expected.
Envy pops up in my own heart, 🐉sometimes before I even recognize it!
Thanks for your transparency, for the challenge, and the reminder that Christ is enough. Everything that He is and that He gives will always be enough! What a blessing!! Thanks Abbey ❤️
Love you and this ministry the Lord has given you!!
You are not alone in this. It is so easy for comparison to turn to envy before I even realize it. Thanks for this great and necessary reminder! Blessings to you!
It’s so hard not to compare ourselves to others. I think you are spot on–envy is exactly what it is. A friend once said to me, “Everybody has hard. Just because your hard isn’t like her hard, doesn’t mean it’s not all hard.” I have to remind myself of that so often. Thank you for exposing comparison for what it really is. Great post!
Thank you for a gracious perspective on a very human condition. One day all earthly cares and concerns will be over. And we will be so joyful in the presence of our Father and His Son and our family that nothing else will matter.
Abiding With Joy Studio 
Fantastic blog! Thanks for sharing. It was a blessing to me.
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Thanks so much Abigail, i really needed this. It is never good for anyone to compare their life with others and that never works for anyone. Puting God first is the key for anything in life even when life gets tough and he will give the blessing we never expected.
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Envy pops up in my own heart, 🐉sometimes before I even recognize it!
Thanks for your transparency, for the challenge, and the reminder that Christ is enough. Everything that He is and that He gives will always be enough! What a blessing!! Thanks Abbey ❤️
Love you and this ministry the Lord has given you!!
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You are not alone in this. It is so easy for comparison to turn to envy before I even realize it. Thanks for this great and necessary reminder! Blessings to you!
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What a beautiful look to the new heaven & new earth! I’m with you – can’t wait to leave my struggles behind!
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It’s so hard not to compare ourselves to others. I think you are spot on–envy is exactly what it is. A friend once said to me, “Everybody has hard. Just because your hard isn’t like her hard, doesn’t mean it’s not all hard.” I have to remind myself of that so often. Thank you for exposing comparison for what it really is. Great post!
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Thank you for a gracious perspective on a very human condition. One day all earthly cares and concerns will be over. And we will be so joyful in the presence of our Father and His Son and our family that nothing else will matter.
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I was just telling my kids about envy a few days ago in one of our family devotions.
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Thanks for reminding me of my own challenges and knowing that I am not alone.
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