No Comparison

No comparison

Bible: John 21:15-25

Reading

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones (PROVERBS 14:30).

One of these days I’m going to put it all on Instagram—not just the good stuff!” My friend Sue’s comment made me laugh out loud. But it also made me think. Social media can be a good thing, helping us hang out with our friends more and enjoy loads of cool stuff. But if we’re not careful, it can also fill our heads with an unrealistic view of what life should be like. Most of the things posted online are just the ‘highlights’ of life; they are not
the full picture. And when we look at these amazing pictures and read comments about how great everything is, we can be misled into thinking everyone else’s lives are without trouble, and wonder where we’ve gone wrong. Comparing ourselves with others will only lead to unhappiness. When Jesus’ friends compared themselves to each other (SEE LUKE 9:46; 22:24), Jesus quickly called them out on it. Soon after His resurrection, Jesus told Peter how he would suffer for his faith. Peter then pointed to John and asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (JOHN 21:21-22). Jesus pointed Peter to the best answer for unhealthy comparisons. When
our minds are focused on God and all He has done for us, everything else (and everyone else) falls into the right place in our lives. We will long to follow Him, without worrying about what others are doing. Instead of the stress of competing online, He gives us His peace and security. Nothing can compare with Him.

FOCUSING ON WHAT WE DON’T HAVE WILL JUST

WEAR US OUT. FOCUSING ON JESUS GIVES US LIFE!

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries