Tea Time With Tina DON’T TAKE THE BAIT written by Tina Gallo Have you ever fallen into the trap of comparison? Where you felt as though your life didn’t measure up? I know I have, especially during my Hollywood days when I would pressure myself to try to live up to unrealistic standards of others while striving to attain the deceitful trappings of that world. The lure of comparison creates distorted perceptions; it creeps in to catch you off guard, striking the moment you wake up in the morning to pick up your phone and begin scrolling. Having easy access to social media allows us to take a sneak peek into someone else’s life where we can watch their internet reality show that usually isn’t reality at all. Because they feel a lack of something in their real life, people often post images on social media that are staged, smoothed, and filtered, depicting a perfect life they want the world to see, creating stories and images to cover the pain. In the process, these postings are baiting people to fall into the trap of comparison, causing them to feel that they are lacking something in their own lives. Women are especially vulnerable to slipping into the snare of this well-crafted trap. When they look at touched-up images of women who appear to look perfect and have it all, it’s easy to become fascinated and intrigued by how these seemingly successful, beautiful people live their lives. While entertaining, if we are not careful, this can make you feel like you aren’t good enough and that you are missing out on something. Comparing oneself to an unrealistic image and life is dangerous! Comparison is the thief of joy and will rob us of the peace that God desires us to have. It deposits discontentment into the soil of our souls, planting unhealthy feelings of dissatisfaction as it spreads the toxicity of discouragement and disappointment to the sprouts of life. When we focus on being like others, envying what they have rather than being content with whom God created us to be, it will cause misery and create covetous cravings of 40
always wanting something more. This damage can erode our lives as we begin to lose contentment and gratitude. Comparing ourselves to others is feeding our selfish ambition and conceit. In essence, we are saying we are not grateful for who God made us to be or thankful for the gifts and blessings He has bestowed on us. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV) If you are really struggling with comparison and jealousy, then take it to God in prayer! Confess this sin and ask the Lord for deliverance in this stronghold. He is a faithful grace-giver and will move you beyond this sin-filled pattern of thinking to one of Holy Spirit-filled purpose. He knows your heart. Ask Him to help you see your identity in Him. Most of the time we use comparison because we don’t feel we have a clear view of ourselves or our own purpose. Scripture tells us in John 15:26 and John 16:7 that the Holy Spirit is our helper, our comforter, and our advocate. Therefore, ask Him to help you and guide you into truth so you can break away the binding chains of comparing yourself to others and their lives!
