Great Plains Daily Devotional for 8/20/2020

2 Corinthians 10:12

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense.

I’m sure every individual in my generation has heard this same idea countless times. For some reason, people are obsessed with labeling social media as this life-consuming unnecessary past time. However, if being a science major has taught me anything it’s this; if you want to save a sick tree, you have to start at the root. 

I don’t think social media itself is a bad thing. I purpose, the root issue that makes social media such a problem, is it encourages the act of comparison; an evil that’s been around since biblical times. 

To put it succinctly, comparing yourself to others separates you from God and puts earthly desires as a priority. Teddy Roosevelt said it best, “Comparison Is the thief of joy”. The Apostle Paul has quite a bit to say about the dangers the follow comparing yourself to others. In his letter to the church in Corinth, (2 Corinthians 10:12) he says “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, they are without understanding.” 

In a letter to the church of Philippi (Philippians 4:11-12), he writes “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” 

But more importantly, every individual is loved and cherished by our heavenly creator, just the same. Do not rob yourself of joy by focusing on things that don’t matter. Freedom from comparison and a sense of peace in whatever situation we find ourselves in is only possible by putting God back as the focus of our lives. 

--Kate Basore 
Emporia State Campus Ministries 

kbasore12@gmail.com 

Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 133
Romans 11:1-2, 29-32
Matthew 15:10-20, 21-28