The Cost of Comparison

I recently read about the dangers of comparing ourselves and our work with others and how destructive this can be to our creativity and productivity. We are most likely to compare ourselves with those that do similar work to ours or are gifted in the same ways.

But no one, NO ONE, is equipped in the exact same way as you are or as I am.

I am an artist. I'm good at painting but I'm FAR from great. So many others are infinitely better at painting than I am.

Yet, because I am me, there's no one on the face of the earth that paints a painting quite like I do.

I'm a writer. I'm a good writer. But I fail miserably at writing as good as the best.

Again, because I am me, there's no one on the face of the earth that writes stories or blogs quite like I do.

My art and my writing are as unique as I am uniquely gifted by the Creator.

The same applies to you. If we squash our creativity because we compare ourselves to others that seem to be far more talented, then are we not throwing a gift back into the face of our Father?

Please don't let that happen. Recognize your God-given talents and run to Him with them. Fall on your face before Him and ask for guidance. Then proceed with joy and confidence.

I love all three versions of the following verses. Read, meditate and learn from Him.

"But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load."

(Galatians 6:4‭-‬5 ESV)

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct."

(Galatians 6:4‭-‬5 NLT)

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

(Galatians 6:4‭-‬5 MSG)