人比人，比死人

I live in a world where people constantly compare themselves with other people, it's an on-going torment, like "why is she prettier than me?","why people listen to him and not me?","why do I struggle and fail when people find it so easy to ovecome problems?","why am I so stupid?"(classic)
Comparing ourself against one another have been like the essence of our lives, if so, what meaning is there? What are we proving for?
We are never, maybe I should just speak for myself, I am never satisfied with what I have, I always have to go and compare myself with others, I'm such an idiot.
And my devotion today proved to be useful to teach me and to remind me to be thankful for what I have.



Reflections on the Sayings of the Desert Fathers

A brother who was living among other brothers asked Abba Bessarion : What should I do?
The old man replied: Be silent, and do not measure yourself against the others.

It's tempting to compare ourselves with other people.

Comparing ourselves with people can lead us down the slippery slpoe: we see what people have or don't have; we wish for what we do not have or gloat at what they do not have; eventually we fall into envy, greed, self-hatred or pride.

the process of falling into sin often begins when we measure ourselves against others. Such compulsive behaviour eventually feeds our lust and makes us proud of our possesions and abilities (1 john 2:16)

Be watchful, lest you fall into sin

when was the last time you compared yourself with others? just now? Did any of these tendancies cause you to sin?
Notice the people, time and place that cause you to measure yourself against others.
Ask Jesus to help you 'silence' these thoughts, and give thanks for the abilities of other people.

Further reading: Psalm 34:15-22 , Isaiah 55:6-11 , Matt 6:7-15