The Mystery of Comparison V: Comparing Yourself with Yourself

When we think about how we are doing compared to ourselves, it can make us feel a lot of things. Sometimes, we worry about the future and get anxious. We think about all the things we want to do and worry we’re not good enough. Other times, we look back at what we’ve already done and feel pretty good. But if we do that too much, we might stop trying to do better.

Here’s the thing: the most important comparison we can make is between how we are right now and the full measure of the stature of Christ. This helps us focus on what’s really important in life. Thinking too much about the future can make us feel anxious. We might set big goals for ourselves and then feel bad if we don’t reach them. It’s like always worrying about what’s coming next and forgetting to live and make the most of now.

There’s a big trending misconception that we should compare ourselves with our past; it will make us happy. However, that is not always a feeling of gratitude. Sometimes, that is a feeling of complacency or pride.

Looking back at what we’ve already achieved can make us feel good. But if we spend too much time patting ourselves on the back, we might stop trying to improve. We could get stuck in the past instead of moving forward. So, where does that leave us? It leaves us right here, in the present moment. Instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, we can focus on now. This is how life is lived in time.

The most important thing to remember is to compare ourselves to the example and stature of Jesus. He ought to live ‭”until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13). It’s not about being the best version of ourselves. Even if it is, that version is not within you as the world keeps saying. That version is in Christ alone.

So, let’s keep it simple. Instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, let’s focus on the present moment. And let’s compare ourselves to the full measure of the fulness of Christ. If we do that, we’ll be on the right track to living a fruitful life.