A Thief Called Comparison

Jasmine B. Suiza

"Engaged na si Zane at Mike!"

"Wow, si Mich galing na naman sa business trip o!"

"Si Marianne, doctor na!"

“Bakit si Sharmaine hindi tumataba kahit malakas kumain?”

Ito ang mga tumakbo sa isip ko habang nakikita ko sa Facebook ang mga wall posts ng mga kaibigan ko.

Natutuwa? Oo.

Natutuwa ako sa mga accomplishments at narating nila sa buhay.

Naiinggit? Hindi ko idedeny.

Ang mga bagay na nangyayari sa kanila ay mga mismong bagay na pangarap kong mangyari rin sa akin.

Most of my life, I am comparing myself to others. Parang nakasalalay sa ibang tao ang self-worth ko. Because of this, I have the tendency to be always competitive. Sa grades, sa trabaho, sa mga kaibigan ko, sa sports, sa service – gusto kong laging gawin ang best ko.

Hindi naman mali ang maging competitive, lalo na kung maganda ang dahilan, pero minsan, I find myself being tempted by Satan. Because he knows my weaknesses, he attacks me by making me feel envious about other people’s material possessions, relationship status, career, or even physical characteristics.

I learned that by always comparing myself to others, I am robbing myself of the real joy that I should be experiencing in my life.

Instead of counting the accomplishments of others, I will start counting my own blessings. I will be genuinely happy with the gifts that God bestows upon me, may it be big or small.

Even St. Paul reminded the Hebrews to be always content:

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5

Yung trabaho na malapit sa bahay namin para di na ako mahirapan mag-commute. Bonus pa kung magagawa ko ang passion ko sa nutrition, fitness and music. Lahat yun binigay ni God sakin. During moments of discontentment, I remind myself on how I earnestly prayed for the things that I have now. Because of this, I feel a sense of gratitude and joy, knowing that God indeed answers our heartfelt prayers in His most perfect timing.

Don’t give Satan the opportunity to discourage you from doing your purpose in life. The society will always be a place full of comparison. Don’t be afraid, though each and every one is unique, God looks at us with fairness and equality because we are all His children.

In the end, as Charles R. Swindoll puts it, “When the Lord makes it clear you're to follow Him in this new direction, focus fully on Him and refuse to be distracted by comparisons with others."