Lord, help us to compare ourselves with the things that please you

Today's Devotion, Lord, help us to compare ourselves with the things that please you. I recently saw a message that a pastor said while preaching to the congregation. His comment was, If you can trust a puzzle company to make sure every piece is in the box to complete the puzzle, then why can't you trust God that every piece of your life is there for a reason? Even though comparing is considered a sin, in this context it isn't.

It is not what he said, it is how he said it. Many times people will compare their situation with someone else's and there is a twinge of jealousy that is hidden in their conversation. God knows if our comparison is tainted in a negative way.

The pastor made a comparison between a puzzle company and God. If we are going to make a comparison, we must compare ourselves to God. In 1 Corinthians 11 verse 1 it is written, Imitate me just as I also imitate Christ.

We live in a world where people lose faith in what they cannot see and trust the things that they can see. David saw Goliath but he didn't see himself as being king. Comparison is not only the thief of joy, it's like a seed that can bear the fruit of jealousy.

It can make you think that you are better or worse than others. Do not laugh when someone hits rock bottom. It may be God's way of isolating them before he elevates them.

In 2 Corinthians 10 verse 12 it is written, We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with someone who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. My brothers and sisters in Christ, wisdom doesn't come from man, it comes from God.

In Galatians 6 verse 4 it is written, Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone without comparing themselves to someone else. Heavenly Father, help us not to focus on the achievements of others and try to compare ourselves with them because what they have may not be from you.

Let us compare ourselves with no one but your son so that we can learn to be more like you. Lord remove every ungodly thought that comes from comparison. And help us to be more focused on things that please you than the achievements of others.

All these we ask in Jesus name, Amen.