Day 9: Crushing The Comparison Game

It’s almost Christmas! This holiday has its origins in humility – The God of the universe came to earth as a needy baby to subject himself to suffering and death, just to save you. Yet, it's easy to make it all about pride and all about us. It takes one scroll through social media to feel like people around you are “winning” and you’re not. But it doesn't have to be that way! Before you see the girl with the latest Gucci bag and shiny engagement ring or the guy with the brand new iPhone 11, decide now that you won’t compare yourself with anyone else this year.

Jesus didn’t decide that the affluent and cool people are worth more, and those of lower status are worth less. He died for every person – the haves and the have nots. Resist the temptation this season to scroll through the gram or FB and buy the lie that you don’t measure up. Our true treasure is the gift of Christ. This Christmas, choose to worship the Giver of gifts (James 1:17), instead of envying the gifts themselves. Choose to thank Him for giving you everything you need, and for not witholding good from those whose walk is blameless (Psalm 84:11).

Read the following scriptures and answer the questions below:

Luke 12:15 - And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

1 Timothy 6:17-19 - As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Psalm 16:6 - The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

1. What is one thing you are grateful for this Christmas? (Pro tip: Think about family, friends, a job, getting time off from work, a roof over your head, the delicious Christmas Eve meal on the table, or most importantly your salvation through Jesus).

2. What personal boundaries can you put in place to flee from the temptations of comparison, coveting and materialism? (Pro Tip: Limit the amount of time and number of times you’ll check social media each day. Instead, when you think about checking your social media, try writing out a gratitude list, praying for contentment, meditating on scripture or engaging the people around you).

Pray: God, help me to see that my worth is not in what I do, what I have or what others think of me. Remind me that true riches are found in you and you alone. Give me a heart of gratitude, and help me to resist the temptation to give into comparison, greed and dwelling on covetous thoughts.

Click Here For Day 8: Crushing It When You Don't Feel Like You Belong
Click Here For Day 10: Crushing Sharing The Gospel