Do you ever compare yourself to others and feel like you don’t quite measure up? Maybe you think you’re not as smart, capable, personable, or as godly as they are?
It is so easy to think that if we had more or knew more, we’d be secure. The truth is, even people who “have it all” still struggle with feelings of insecurity. The Bible opens with the story of a woman who had everything, but it wasn’t enough (Genesis 2).
God had established Eve’s worth as His child and the crown of His creation. God had given Eve every woman’s desire: intimacy, beauty, security, significance, and purpose. Yet, Satan conjured up feelings of insecurity by getting Eve to take her eyes off what she had and focus on what she didn’t have.
Boy, can I relate. Like Eve, I’ve heard Satan’s whispers telling me I’m not all I could be—or should be. One day I was reading her story in Genesis 2 and noticed that the enemy’s questions and suggestions were intended to plant seeds of doubt in Eve’s heart. He wanted her to doubt God and herself.
The enemy’s whispers tempted Eve to try to “be” more and “have” more by seeking significance apart from God’s provision. He convinced her that something was missing in her life and that the forbidden fruit would make her “like God.”
It was a foolish comparison, but all comparisons are. Yet, don’t we do it all the time:
If only I was like her…if only I had a house like her, a husband like hes, a job like her…; if only my children behaved like her’s….; If only ________, then I’d feel significant…satisfied…secure.
Paul warns us that those who “measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12, NIV) Comparison will always leave us feeling like we don’t measure up. We can try to do more and be more, yet it’s never enough.
If only Eve had focused on who she was and what she had as a child of God. If only we could, too.
Yet, Satan wants us to focus on our flaws and feelings of inadequacy, then exhaust our energy figuring out how to hide them. But we don’t have to go along with his schemes. Instead we can recognize his lies, refute his temptations with truth, and focus our heart and our thoughts on God’s acceptance, security and significance. Then we can thank God for His provision and His promises that remind us of who we are in Him:
I am accepted…
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
I am secure…
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.Romans 8:31-39 I am free from condemnation. I cannot be separated from God’s love.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.
I am significant…
Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship.Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Author and psychologist, Dr. Neil T. Anderson says, “The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior (and beliefs) will begin to reflect your true identity!”
So, the next time we’re tempted to use the measuring stick of comparison – let’s commit to measure UP by focusing upward on Christ and who we are in HIM!
Lord, thank You that I’m chosen, holy, and dearly loved. When I’m tempted to find my significance and security apart from Your provision and promises, help me recognize Satan’s lies, refuse his temptations and stand firm in my faith. Remind me that such confidence as this is mine through Christ—not that I am competent in myself to claim anything for myself, but competence comes from Him. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. (Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:9; 2 Corinthians 3:4–5)
By Renee Swope, author of A Confident Heart
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