The Comparison Trap by Karol Kinder Ladd
Today’s guest blogger is Karol Kinder Ladd. Karol is known as “the Positive Lady.” Her heart’s desire is to inspire women with a message of lasting hope and Biblical truth.
Formerly a teacher, Karol is the best-selling author of over 30 books includingThe Power of a Positive Mom and A Woman’s Secret to Confident Living. Her new book is Positive Life Principles for Women.
As a gifted communicator and dynamic leader, Karol is a popular speaker to women’s organizations, church groups and corporate events across the nation. Karol is a frequent guest on radio and television programs and teaches a monthly Bible study called Positive Woman Connection. She devotes her time to several different ministries which encourage, strengthen and help women around the world. Her most valued role is that of that of wife and mother.
If you have ever watched any of the Olympic track and field events, you know that a split second makes all the difference, especially in sprint races. If a competitor in the 100 meter sprint takes even a second to glance at the runners on either side of her – she’s lost the race. In running as well as in life, we must learn to keep our eyes on our own race and not become distracted by comparing ourselves with others. Easier said than done, right? As women, we so quickly begin to compare with the other women around us. Often it happens the moment we walk into a room with other women. Am I as thin as she is? Do I fit in here? Why can’t my hair look as good as hers does? I wish I had her complexion.
It’s a trap each one of us can easily stumble into, and in the process we become dissatisfied with who we are and what God has planned for us. We tend to lose sight of what our purpose is in life. Perhaps that’s why the apostle Paul, with his powerfully purpose-filled life, was able to say, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God is calling me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Just as a sprinter keeps her eye on the goal or the finish line, so we need to keep our eyes fixed on the purpose God has given us and not be distracted by envy, jealousy or comparisons. True maturity is when we can look with joy at how God is blessing others and sincerely be thankful for the way God uses each one of us in a variety ways and in different styles.
There is only one you. God made you with a unique set of gifts and talents and with a distinctive purpose in this world. When we keep our eyes on the fact that God is at work in and through us to accomplish what He put us on this earth to do, we begin to feel a joyful confidence. We can rejoice in our assignment in the big scheme of life. On the other hand, when we start looking at everyone else and begin to compare ourselves with others, we either become prideful or we become jealous. Comparisons tend to zap us of our strength, distract us from our purpose and throw us off course from our goals.
Charles Spurgeon said, “The cure for envy lies in living under a constant sense of the divine presence, worshipping God and communing with him all the day long, however long the day may seem.” Let us worship God in the midst of our longings and watch Him work in mysterious and glorious ways. When we keep our eyes on Him, our petty comparisons turn into gratitude for the way God is using others, as well as the wonderful plans He has for our lives. When comparisons distract you, turn your eyes upward my friend! You will gain a fresh and eternal perspective.
This is an excerpt from Karol Ladd’s powerful new pocket-sized book, Positive Life Principles for Women.