Why compare yourself to others when God has made you for you?

Question

People compare
Physical abilities
Mental Aptitiude
Accomplishments
Social Status
Possessions
Family Hertiage

Let's be content with who and what we are!

2 Corinthians says We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they meansure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

Answer 1

I believe the reason we do compare is because our society is the one who pushes competitions, it is our parents who compares us with our siblings, it our friends who judges us because of the influence that comes from their parents. We are constantly getting sized up and down for sports, for intelligence, for beauty, and for hard labor work.

God has made us all unique and special but due to the fallen world, there always has been comparisons, who is better, who is sexier, who is smarter (check out all the tests that the school gives to their students) - who gets into the private and specialty college, and the list goes on.

We can't help but compare ourselves to others because that is what we have been taught by the church, family, schools, tv, and our society. Is it okay? Probably not but that is the nature of the beast. Unfortunately, comparison has done a lot of harm to our society has a whole. We have the highest suicidal rate among our teenagers, more kids are bulemic and skinny from the false advertisements of models. More parents working overtime to spoil their kids and trying to get the extra money for more extra items for their house and to be better off than their friends and family in materialism. It never ends but this comparison has done more harm than good.

Being content is a hard thing to do especially with new inventions, higher quality products, the best gizmo out there - we want it all. But the Bible does say to be content in who we are and what we own. Unfortunately, the media and Hollywood has not read or put into practice this concept of contenment. They have become our role models in everything and that is not good but keep praying for change - God is more than able to change the White House - the Hollywood - Beverly Hills, and the media so that people can stop comparing one another.

Answer 2

Let's not take verses out of context...
That was written to a specific people in Corinth who were dealing with particular culture issues at the time.

It wasn't written exactly as a whole condemnation of any forms of comparison/contrast.

That said, the bigger issue is pride. We compare to either gain approval of ourselves or to (falsely) see ourselves as lesser.
The fact is we are all individually designed by God. And, universally, we are all His image-bearers.

The fall (sin) has tainted that image, leaving us born with flaws, sicknesses and perhaps worst of all - shame.

Where comparing is good, is checking yourself is for accountability. But that's a different question.

Answer 3

Well, firstly, God didn't just make you for you at all.

In fact, from the very beginning, the Gospel has made it clear that we are here for others - insofar as we are here to serve them.
That could be a general comment.

A more specific comment is:
That He made Woman for Man.
Holy writ specifically says that ... in the beginning.
Eve was made as 'an helpmeet' for Adam.

Yet in like manner, he is to serve her; but via the specific gifts and talents He has given to man ... and to each 'Adam' on earth today - ie. all men.
Each of us have different talents, but often, without making comparisons, we are not really aware of what we can refer to as a talent.

Our 'advantages' are often what others will purchase about us. These allow us to make 'a living', if nothing else.
But in certain settings, our talents/advantages can be offered as a means of blessing and serving our fellowmen.

Answer 4

You can thank the media for this and it doesn't help that parents are pushing that by being followers instead of leaders. People don't see that it's all about money and they don't care if you buy it or not, just open that big phat wallet and buy our products because " they are the best" ok Brain washed comes to mind.

Answer 5

Wow. i did not understand i grew to become into doing that. Btw, i can not even discover the money for to positioned on a sock that the celebs positioned on. How can a man or woman be envious of themselves? i'm completely open to understand this question.

Answer 6

I agree with you. definitely..if people will just see themselves the way our Maker sees us, more people will be happier. But many do not believe in God and many do not accept Him for reasons that only they can tell, so that's why they are not happy with being themselves. Really sad.
(ten points pls..?)

Answer 7

Wow!
What a great idea!
I am so glad God thought of it. I just wish I were always strong enough to live by it.
But I'm working on it!
0:-)

Answer 8

God Made us different to make variety and to show humans differences. and to show us his power so we'll be ever thankful of him. but we shouldn't twit ourselves for some low abilities, rather it should couse for more try and Growth.
(sorry if my English is pour!)

Answer 9

So why are you comparing us to yourself in just assuming that we believe in God???

Answer 10

good point