Comparison…
Things aren’t always what they seem. Today south Florida is holding a collective breath wondering what the hurricane passing by tonight will be like. But to look out the window right now – sunshine, breeze – you’d never know heavy rain and big wind gusts will keep us shut in tight tonight.
It’s the same with people. We seem to value appearances so highly. Whether it’s physical appearance or ability (think models and sports figures) or fame, money, power (think celebrities, millionaires, politicians). But this is what God told Samuel a very long time ago, still true today: “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1Samuel 16:7b NIV)
Funny how children seem to intuitively know people’s hearts and don’t give a rip about their looks. I have grandchildren who don’t know that wrinkles aren’t attractive, they just think I’m fun and love to cuddle up in my lap or bury their head in my shoulder. It’s as old as time, but I wonder, why we do get so wrapped up in what is seen?
Pretty much stems from what all the shortcomings of our world can be attributed to: we are selfish by nature. We compare ourselves and feel like we deserve more. When worth is about what we have, about where we live or who we know, about anything in this world – we will always feel short-changed.
But when worth is found in our Creator, then we discover we have all we need and more. “Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.” (1Timothy 6:17 CSB)
There is freedom in getting our focus off of comparison, off of self. We spend so much time pressuring ourselves to be a version of what advertising says we should be, of what equates “success” – no wonder stress is a universal mental and physical health detriment.
When we release worldly standards and pursue Jesus standards, He’ll always be enough for us, He’ll always make us enough for where we are. And we’ll know, without doubt, that there is so much more to live for than all the riches of this world.
parisrenae 
Yes! I love those ways that children see past our faults and straight into our hearts. I think that must be some of what Jesus meant when He said we must become like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Thank you so much for reminding us of these precious thoughts today, especially, when this world is consumed with comparison. Blessings to you!
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I agree with you – come as children, willing to see as Jesus sees and love as He loves. Blessings as you rest in His enough and reach out to those who are chained in worldly comparison.
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