Do you ever compare yourself to others?
I found myself doing it again, just the other day.
I returned to the gym, committed to getting back on track with my physical fitness after too many months of back-sliding.
The cardio portion of my workout started out well. Encouraging tunes from Mandisa, Toby Mac, and Building 429 pumped through my ear buds. I smiled in silent congratulations to myself for beating back the guilt and fatigue and making my physical health a priority that day.
As I transitioned to the available strength training station, I caught the eye of a young lady a decade or more younger than I. Her ripped biceps and firmly chiseled quadriceps seemed to scream at me. “You don’t belong here.” “You’ll never be as fit as her.” “She’s pretty AND fit. I can’t believe you came in here without any make-up on.”
My spirits sank. What happened to my earlier congratulations and job well done?
I lost my smile from just moments before as I squatted, pulled, and lifted various contraptions and weights.
As I compared everything from my height, my hair, my arms, and my backside to the bodybuilder princess across from me, my own performance sunk. I lost my focus on my own game plan as I studied hers.
Moments later, Mandisa’s “True Beauty” sang me back into a more accurate perspective. The one who created me thinks I’m beautiful. While the outside is flawed, scarred, and wrinkled, my heart beautifully beats for Him.
He gave me my own game plan-not to be confused with anyone else’s. And it is good. It is for a future and a hope. If I compare myself to others, I cannot do my best in what He has called me to do. Instead, if I will stay focused on what He has called me to do, He will be my strength in my weakness. And it will be good.
Trust His plan for you – it is good. What has He called you to today?
Stick With Your Plan
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great reminder, Michelle. God must want me to know this because he just led me to read a journal from 10 years ago where Brian Houston from Hillsong to the teaching on the same thing :-). so I have been pondering this now, and am on a mission to remove comparison from my life in all areas. Thanks for sharing.
And PS, yes, you are beautiful!
That should be, “did a teaching”….smartphone…sigh…
Oh Mary, I love how God nudges and affirms, and guides and prompts in His grace and mercy! Removing comparison from our lives yields fruit that blesses ourselves and others.
This is very inspirational. I have to remind myself of these things all the time. Thanks for writing and helping us with your knowledge.
Thank you Denishia! We all need encouraging and reminding! Hope Prevails!
Great inspiration and an excellent reminder for us to focus on what He wants us to do. I needed this reminder, Michelle. Thanks.
Oh how that blesses me Mary! I’m glad it inspired you. You are loved by Him and His plan for you is perfect!
Love the post, Michelle. We so easily get caught up in little things and so quickly forget the bigger more important things like our inner beauty that we were each created in the image of God, that God is so big it takes all of us to reflect different parts of His image. Thanks for the reminder!!
Thank you Trina. Comparison takes our eyes off the only One who matters! Thanks for coming by and for encouraging me with your comment.
Thanks so much for this!! I have to beat back those thoughts all the time. Oh to hear His voice alone and trust in the fact that He chose me from the foundation of the world and planned work for me to do. *Getting back on the altar now…Romans 12:1
I have to beat them back too Jeanne! His plan is perfect for each of us. Yet His plan for another will never flourish in our journey. Keep your eyes straight ahead!
Focusing on self is part of the love walk in the way that we need to take care of our bodies first so that we can in exchange take care of others. The journey is with ourselves; no comparison is needed. Great post.
Thank you Jessica – you’re absolutely right. No comparison is needed! Thanks for visiting!
Thank you! Great advice.
Thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it! I hope you’ll stop by again!
I think at our age some comparison is needed, at least for me, it keeps me motivated to get the exercise in, eat healthy and most importantly, walk with the Lord. I push “me” sometimes harder when I compare myself to others. It helps at times. Keep up that gym time!
You may have a good point there Michelle! As long as we set God as our standard!! But He created us for fellowship and that can mean getting encouragement from others to be our personal best!!
This is a great reminder, but truth be told, you ARE beautiful. You seem to be doing a great job to keep yourself healthy. Keep up the good work. Amy
Thank you Amy! You’re very sweet to say so. The truth is that God sees EACH of us as beautiful. It’s those other voices we have to stop listening to.
Great advice. A plan is helpful and motivating. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty – We hope to see you again next week.
-Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Thanks Lorelai! I appreciate the invite. Hope this helps us remember to stay focused on our plan alone, and compare it to no one.
You are beautiful and so is your encouragement. You can tell you are grounded by how hard you work to lift up others. Sticking to the plan can be hard for me at times, especially with the fluctuations in my health but I know when I make it a priority, I do better overall. Thank you for the reminders!
You’re so sweet Kristi! Our world lacks sufficient encouragement. It’s my hope that encouragement always points back to what Christ has done for me and can do for others. We always stumble at points along our plan. I’m so thankful for His grace to get up and start all over again. Praying your health no longer has the power to hold you back. 😉
Hey, Dr Michelle!
Love this post! I shared it the other day before I read it. *blush*
It’s wonderful. Comparisons are soooo hard to eschew.
Believe it or not, that Mandisa song was new to me. I love the words, but think it needs a tiny musical rewrite. It doesn’t quite do her justice like her other songs.
You look incredible!!
Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m so glad you liked it, and very grateful for the share!! Yes, comparisons are hard to eschew, but I’ve found that when I’m focused on the person I’m comparing myself to, I can’t be the best me God created me to be. I’ve got to keep my eyes straight ahead on Him. Thanks for visiting! And for commenting and sharing! I feel the love!
Amen! It’s way too easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others–but all it does is drag us down. Thank you for the great reminder that we need to stay focused on our own journey and our own progress–not on anyone else’s! (Great choices in music, by the way!)
I have found that to be true Anita – comparison is a drag! (Mandisa’s music is always uplifting, and it’s great for a work-out!)
I always learn good things from you Dr. Michelle. thanks!
That’s so kind of you April!! I love it when you stop by! Looking forward to “seeing” you again.
Great reminders! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Cheri! Blessings!
Wow! You look so fit. That picture is very persuasive for middle aged women like myself.
Thank you for coming to the Inspire Me Monday Linky Party.
Janice
Thanks Janice. It’s a matter of sticking to the plan God gives us, and remembering our body is His temple. I make mistakes all the time, but I don’t let myself stay there. Stick to His plan for you-that never fails.