How are you feeling today? Are you feeling fine? Or are you having a bad hair day? Have you noticed how easy it is to compare ourselves with our surroundings? But, we are using a very special filter whenever we compare ourselves with the people around us. What do I mean?
Let us say that you see Frank, a math genius with strange glasses and a big stomach. When you compare yourself to him, you will most likely see a person much brighter than you (and it will make you feel bad), or you will see an ugly person with bad taste (and it will make you feel good because you feel better).
Then you see George, a handsome guy who has a fantastic beach body... but his brain doesn't seem to be the best out there. You might see him and see his body and feel bad (because your body doesn't look as nice), or you might just see a stupid guy (and feel good because you are smarter).
But, there is something interesting about comparing yourself with others. It is easy to feel smarter than someone who is really stupid, and in the end, you don't feel much better about it, simply because you know that it isn't a good comparison.
But, if you start comparing yourself to those with similar skills as yourself, you might end up winning (in your owns eyes), or you might end up losing (in your own eyes). The outcome is very much depending on how you look upon yourself.
We are wasting our time...
But, did you know that we have just been wasting our time for a couple of minutes speaking about comparing ourselves with others. What do I mean?
Using your energy at comparing yourself with others is just wasting your time! You will not get any better by thinking in your head that you are better or worse than other people. Well, you might get worse, or at least feel worse, but you will not get smarter... no matter what!
So, stop looking at your surroundings and start looking at yourself and the skills you have received. God has given you all the skills and talents that you need, any looking to others is just wasting your time! It will do no you no good.
Look at what you have, take it to Jesus, and let him multiply it! This is the ultimate thing to do with your life and with your skills. I will bring happiness and joy, instead of dissatisfaction, jealousy, bitterness, and all those other ugly characteristics.