AVOID THE TRAP OF COMPARISON — RUN YOUR OWN RACE WITH JOY
DATE: 20th of August 2026
AUTHOR: Evang Ademola Elemo
SERIES: LIVE YOUR SIZE PER TIME
�� SCRIPTURE READING
“But let every man prove his own work. For every man shall bear his own burden.” Galatians 6:4–5
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves… they measuring themselves by themselves… are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
“Jesus saith unto him… what is that to thee? follow thou me.” — John 21:22
��️ MEDITATION
One of the quickest ways to lose your joy is to compare your life with someone else’s. Comparison causes many people to live beyond their season, beyond their resources, and beyond God’s timing.
God never designed your life to be an imitation of another person’s journey. Every believer has a unique calling, different assignments, different seasons, and different measures of grace.
When you constantly compare yourself with others, you may begin to envy their progress while ignoring the work God is doing in your own life. You may even feel pressured to maintain a lifestyle that God has not yet provided for you.
Comparison often leads to unnecessary debt, unhealthy competition, pride when you seem ahead, or discouragement when you appear behind. But God calls you to keep your eyes on Him, not on other people.
Consider Peter. After Jesus restored him, Peter became curious about John’s future. Instead of answering his comparison, Jesus redirected his attention by saying, “What is that to thee? Follow thou me.” God wanted Peter to focus on his own assignment.
�� Scripture Guidance:
“Follow thou me.” — John 21:22
Consider David. Before confronting Goliath, Saul offered David his royal armor. David wisely refused because it did not fit him. He chose to fight with the sling and staff God had already trained him to use.
�� Scripture Guidance:
“I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them.” — 1 Samuel 17:39
Also consider John the Baptist. When Jesus’ ministry began to attract larger crowds, John did not compete or become jealous. Instead, he rejoiced because he understood God’s purpose for his own life.
�� Scripture Guidance:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30
This is the mystery:
Comparison distracts you from your calling, but contentment keeps you focused on God’s purpose.
God has not called you to:
wear another person’s shoes,
carry another person’s assignment,
or live another person’s season.
He has called you to be faithful with the life He has entrusted to you, Your race, Your timing, Your grace, Your reward.
�� KINGDOM TRUTHS
1. Comparison Is Not Wisdom
�� “They… comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
2. Focus on Your God-Given Assignment
�� “Follow thou me.” — John 21:22
3. God Has Given Each Person a Different Measure
�� “Let every man prove his own work.” Galatians 6:4
�� REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Have I been comparing my life with someone else’s?
Am I making financial or personal decisions just to impress people?
How can I become more grateful for the season God has given me?
�� PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me uniquely and giving me a purpose that is different from anyone else’s.
Forgive me for every time I have compared myself with others or become dissatisfied with Your process for my life.
Help me to be content, faithful, and joyful in every season.
Teach me to focus on following You rather than competing with others. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
�� DECLARATIONS
I reject comparison and embrace God’s purpose for my life.
I will run my race with faithfulness and joy.
I am content with God’s timing for me.
My value comes from Christ, not from comparison.
God is leading me into His perfect plan.
�� ACTION POINT FOR TODAY
Celebrate someone else’s success without comparing it to your own. Then thank God for three specific blessings He has already given you, and ask Him to help you steward them faithfully.
�� SPECIAL INSIGHT
When you compare yourself with others, you may either become proud or discouraged.
When you compare yourself with God’s purpose for your life, you become focused, humble, and productive.
Stop measuring your life by someone else’s progress. Live your size, trust God’s timing, and let Him write your story.