No Comparison
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
Proverbs 14:30
Proverbs 14:30
“One of these days I’m going to put it all on Facebook—not just the good stuff!”
My friend Sue’s comment—made casually over lunch with her husband—caused me to laugh out loud and also to think. Social media can be a good thing, helping us stay in touch with and pray for friends across the years and miles. But if we’re not careful, it can also create an unrealistic outlook on life. When much of what we see posted is a “highlight reel” of “the good stuff,” we can be misled into thinking others’ lives are without trouble, and wonder where our own went wrong.
Comparing ourselves with others is a sure recipe for unhappiness. When the disciples compared themselves to each other (see Luke 9:46; 22:24), Jesus quickly discouraged it. Soon after His resurrection, Jesus told Peter how he would suffer for his faith. Peter then turned to John and asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (John 21:21–22).
Jesus pointed Peter to the best remedy for unhealthy comparisons. When our minds are focused on God and all He’s done for us, self-focused thoughts fall gently away and we long to follow Him. In place of the world’s competitive strain and stress, He gives us His loving presence and peace. Nothing can compare with Him.
My friend Sue’s comment—made casually over lunch with her husband—caused me to laugh out loud and also to think. Social media can be a good thing, helping us stay in touch with and pray for friends across the years and miles. But if we’re not careful, it can also create an unrealistic outlook on life. When much of what we see posted is a “highlight reel” of “the good stuff,” we can be misled into thinking others’ lives are without trouble, and wonder where our own went wrong.
Comparing ourselves with others is a sure recipe for unhappiness. When the disciples compared themselves to each other (see Luke 9:46; 22:24), Jesus quickly discouraged it. Soon after His resurrection, Jesus told Peter how he would suffer for his faith. Peter then turned to John and asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (John 21:21–22).
Jesus pointed Peter to the best remedy for unhealthy comparisons. When our minds are focused on God and all He’s done for us, self-focused thoughts fall gently away and we long to follow Him. In place of the world’s competitive strain and stress, He gives us His loving presence and peace. Nothing can compare with Him.
Today's Reflection
How
can you use social media in a God-honoring way? How can a real
relationship with God keep you from making unhealthy comparisons?
I so rarely go on or "use" social media that I cannot relate to the pressure's that come with it. However, I have heard the commentary for years how people can be addicted to it, addicted to the "likes" and feel rejected when not enough comments, "likes", etc. come in for a post. I have enough that I deal with, as far as comparisons, in my real life, so I am very thankful that I have not gotten sucked into the same hazard with a virtual life.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate Melissa's comments about the "use" of social media and its possibility of creating an unrealistic image of ourselves and of others. The ODB commentary seems to say that we tend to offer ourselves in the best possible light. However, I have witnessed a new phenomenon and that is misusing victimhood as a means of drawing attention to ourselves and trying to gain the sympathy of others. The Julie Smollett most readily comes to mind. Focusing our eyes upon Jesus rather than trying to manipulate circumstances or people is essential to avoid heartache and envy.
ReplyDeleteSocial Media, like stated can be a "big green Monster" or used for connection, relationships and prayer. I do try and have personal boundaries when it comes to using social media. I do have it and I think It's okay that I do, it truly helps me stay connected to my family since I don't live near any of them, but there is a balance that has to take place when you open up yourself to social media. Comparison is easy to do when you are scrolling and you see someone else doing something "better" but that's when you need to make the personal decision to maybe walk away form that and take away any distractions that are causing you to sway. Life has wonderful day, and terrible days and we need to make sure we don't expect unrealistic things because of what social media portrays. This devotional has really got me thinking.
ReplyDeleteOooh, Scott, your comment about trying to manipulate circumstances is spot on. Why are we so afraid to show others how we really feel? We need to "be" Jesus for our friends and family, and be willing to come alongside them in their triumphs and defeats. Not trying to fix, but just BEING.
ReplyDeleteI purposely do not have a smart phone, a Facebook account, or other social media account. I did for a while, but it became too much of a distraction. I prefer to deal directly with people in person when possible.
ReplyDeleteComparing myself to other, what they have, how they look, how well they seem to be doing in life most often really brings me down. I struggle with contentment, what is enough, what are the things of the world that are worth pursuing and which are things of this earth that I don't need to pursue? These are tough questions, and facebook doesn't usually help.
ReplyDeleteFacebook does allow me to see the faces of the people I care about and want to pray for. I tend not to post, but go through and lift those up that pull on my heart.