Mirror Check: The Thief of Joy

By: Gabriela Yareliz

How many times have you scrolled through Instagram and desired something someone else has? According to studies, we all do it. There is nothing wrong with using someone else’s success as motivation or something that propels you to work for something. We can all use a little inspiration at times and the affirmation that something is possible.

When we spiral into comparison and feel that pang of unhappiness, that is when things get complicated. It’s a fine line.

The thief of all joy, after all, is comparison.

Exodus 20:17 (our mirror check) tells us: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” (ESV)

God has such a unique path and purpose for all of us. Focusing on someone else’s life can really have us miss out on what God wants to do in us and through us. Oftentimes, what we are called to will look nothing like our neighbor’s path, so comparison is a waste of time and energy. Comparison breeds bitterness and sadness.

Paul talks about our life as a race, where we run with eyes on the prize. Don’t let anything take your eyes off the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Live a life of gratitude. A life rooted in the knowledge that you are walking down the path God has led you to, and He will provide all that you need.

Mirror Check Questions: Am I desiring something that someone else has? How can I minimize comparison and the dissatisfaction that comes with it? How can I cultivate more gratitude in my life? How can I be more in tune with the path God has called me to walk?