In his book, Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, Chuck Swindoll revives a quote from the 14th century:

COMPARISONS ARE ODIOUS

First made by Sir John Fortescue, that little three-word quote packs quite a punch.   If you look up odious in the dictionary, you would find it means “disgusting, detestable.”

CAN. I. GET. A. WITNESS. ON. THAT?

If you really want to be miserable…consider comparing yourself to another….especially someone who excels in what you do, while you flounder in “just getting by,” or in mediocrity.

I cannot even begin to tell you how many years, and how many times, I spent comparing myself to others.  “If I could just preach like him.”  “If I could just be that type of leader…just like so-and-so.”   Wasted years. Wasted life.  Don’t get me wrong though.  I am not against improving.  Reading. Studying. Seminars. Mentoring.  Everyone is in need of improvement, and yours truly is the one greatest in need.  But learning and comparing are two different things.

Comparison pits my abilities against someone else, and pulls out the measuring stick.  As I have already stated, most generally we take our weakness and compare it to the strength of someone else.  ‘Course to do the opposite can also cause problems.  It can lead to pride.  Self-glory.  False sense of security.   Both are dangerous.  Both need to be avoided.

So…what got me thinking like this?  I read this post over the weekend.  Frankly, you would do well to read it also.   Honestly, I don’t care one whip-stitch about football, and who plays where, and for how much.  What struck me was that Matt Hasselbeck knows who he is, and is comfortable in his own skin.  I know a pastor (looking in mirror) or two, or three, who could stand to learn that lesson.

What about you?  Are you happy in your own skin?  Do you find yourself playing the comparison game?  If so, how do you plan to stop?  I’d like to hear your thoughts. 

I will be spending a good part of the morning at the Peyton Manning Center for Children while Lucy, a 7 year old girl, has her 3rd or 4th (or more) cleft palate surgery. Reed & Amy adopted her from China before I knew them. Would you please say a prayer that this one will work? Thanks.