It can get us way off track.
Scripture clearly shows us that we all have different callings, talents, and experiences. Comparing ourselves with others can lead us to invest ourselves in the wrong ways.
It can cause bitterness toward God and envy toward others.
Think of Asaph in Psalm 73. Until he stopped comparing himself to others and remembered God’s truth, he was jealous and “hopeless.” It happens to me, to all of us, when we don’t keep comparison in check.
It creates the wrong standard for our lives and ministries.
As Jesus told Peter in John 21, the only standard we should ever measure ourselves by is His standard.
It causes us to miss what God values.
As 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Look at the Pharisees. Comparison caused them to ultimately hate and reject the One they should have most loved and accepted. I believe the same thing is happening today. Many pastors and churches are living for and valuing the wrong things because they’re comparing themselves to their traditions or other churches instead of God’s Truth.
It motivates competition, not cooperation.
God created His people to walk together, and in so doing, to change the world. Instead, we have a tendency to compete with one another. Just like the first disciples, we’re trying to be better than each other rather than helping to make one another better.
It keeps us from loving one another.
Comparison robs us of love. In light of John 13:35, it’s keeping the world from recognizing we’re Christ’s followers. It’s keeping us from reaching the world and fulfilling our purpose.
Remember that the way God has made and called each of us to accomplish His will is unique. God doesn’t want you to be or to do ministry like anyone else. It’s why He didn’t make you like anyone else. Psalm 139:14, tells us we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God’s plan for each of us is different and perfect.
