Day 7 | The Trap of Comparison – Jake

My grandparents were probably a lot like yours.

They were married for 65 years. They lived in the same house for their entire adult life. They drove two 20-year-old cars, that eventually got passed down to me. The house they lived in was a cute, little, and I mean little, cape cod.

As I got older, I realized the limitations of this house. But you know what? They never complained about it. Christmas parties or sleepovers with the grandkids, they were just happy to be with us. They didn’t compare themselves to the wealthy family at church. They didn’t worry about buying the brand-new Honda because the windows were electric now. They enjoyed what was given to them by the Lord. Making memories in the kitchen and eating chicken noodle soup.

In our culture we are taught to strive for the next thing. We need a bigger house, a bigger car, I need a job that pays more. While none of these are inherently bad, it is the opposite of what scripture teaches.

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 NIV.

Are you content RIGHT NOW with what you have. With the car you drive, the house you live in, the family you have, the job you have. There are so many things we could name that we want. But are you content?

The Lord is with us wherever we go so that is all that we need. Be grateful for what He has already provided. And thank Him if he gives you more than you need.

REFLECT

1. Just like my grandparents were thankful for memories under their roof. What is 1 thing you are thankful for right now?

2. What does being content look like for you?

3. What is one "next thing" you are currently striving for, and how might your perspective change if you viewed your current situation through the lens of Hebrews 13:5?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for what you have given me. I know you are right next to me wherever I go, providing for me. Continue to lead my life and show me how to be content in you.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Tell someone something you are thankful for today.