January 16th, 2021
Killing Me Softly Devotional Series – Week 1 – Comparison - Saturday – Pastor Todd
Conversations of Grace
Romans 9:20 (NIV)
The Double Trap
This past Sunday we referred to comparison as a trap. In actuality, it’s a double-trap. Comparison itself is sinful as indicated by the command that we are not to tell God what he should have done for us or how he should have made us. Paul says it this way,
“But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, `Why did you make me like this?'
Not only is comparison itself sinful, but it also leads to other sins as well. Comparison can cause us to be jealous, it can bring resentment, and it can lead to foolish misadventures in our lives seeking to be “more” or different than what God ever intended. Stop and reread that last sentence. That’s a pretty lousy set of options.
Still, if all the negative consequences haven’t convinced you to work hard at avoiding comparison, consider the positives. People who have learned how not to compare are happier, are much more delightful to be around, and have a greater sense of specific divine purpose. Now doesn’t that sound like a lot better way to live your days this year?
Every one of us risks falling into the comparison trap. There is no magic cure for it, so be on guard throughout your lifetime. In the end, those who will avoid spending their lives looking to the left and the right here will enjoy their Heavenly Father’s approval someday up there.
Conversations of Grace
Romans 9:20 (NIV)
The Double Trap
This past Sunday we referred to comparison as a trap. In actuality, it’s a double-trap. Comparison itself is sinful as indicated by the command that we are not to tell God what he should have done for us or how he should have made us. Paul says it this way,
“But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, `Why did you make me like this?'
Not only is comparison itself sinful, but it also leads to other sins as well. Comparison can cause us to be jealous, it can bring resentment, and it can lead to foolish misadventures in our lives seeking to be “more” or different than what God ever intended. Stop and reread that last sentence. That’s a pretty lousy set of options.
Still, if all the negative consequences haven’t convinced you to work hard at avoiding comparison, consider the positives. People who have learned how not to compare are happier, are much more delightful to be around, and have a greater sense of specific divine purpose. Now doesn’t that sound like a lot better way to live your days this year?
Every one of us risks falling into the comparison trap. There is no magic cure for it, so be on guard throughout your lifetime. In the end, those who will avoid spending their lives looking to the left and the right here will enjoy their Heavenly Father’s approval someday up there.
Posted in Killing Me Softly
Recent
Archive
2026
January
The Quiet Struggles Right Next to UsThank you... in advanceA New ThingA Personal GodNot a Moment of HesitationFaith, Family, and a Broken JarAll InThe SoapboxLord, Help Me See...Hidden for our GoodBorrowed KeysIncreasing CapacityDo You Feel It?Great BoldnessProlific SeedsChained, but not BoundRoadblocksI Can Do Hard ThingsNot the Easy WayThe OpportunistHoly Ground on the StairwellUrgent Work
February
United with PurposeGod Gives the GrowthWhat about me?A Guilty Mom, a Gracious God, and the Road HomeDiscipline over DesireWhat is your thorn?What does love require of me?Comparison is a ThiefTrying to be holy in a distracted worldReplacementThe Joyful MessengerTwo Wrongs Don't Make a RightBut How Does It End?Holy Intentions, Human DistractionsLive a Worthy LifePray for MeBut is it true?On this DayWords that Build a Better WorldFor What Is True
March
People over ProcessHe CaresA Fuzzy PerspectiveFaith is the Only Currency that CountsLeading through ServingCall to ActionWe are the MinistersLet Me Tell You SomethingBiting my TongueWeird StuffWhy Wait?Are You Looking For Him?The Harvest Starts with PrayerStop the Haggle, Start the SurrenderFairSought AfterServant LeadershipGlory in the MidfieldUnapologetically HisAs Best You Can
2025
January
Paralysis of AnalysisA Daily CommitmentChild Like FaithThe Battle of the MindGPSSTOP. THINK. ACT. REVIEW.Let. It. Go.Choosing the Path of MercyQuick to Listen, Slow to SpeakPeacemakersBe Careful What You Wish ForRunYour Old Self Vs. The NewOn Not Loving the WorldLove One AnotherTreasure ChestsWho Sets the Bar?Be the You God Made You to BeTread a PathSo Much Better
February
Trust and ObeyA Pivotal MomentOh to Be the Mama of JesusA Fresh StartVictory or DefeatThe Edge of the CliffAuthorityHis Personal TouchForged by FaithSabbath - Setting You FreeHave You Prayed About It?Don't Build Your House on Sandy LandThe Centurion's FaithDon't Be OffendedWe All Need ItLighthouseIt's a Family ThingWhere the Ministry is
Categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments