Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
By Greg Sanders

1 Corinthians 3:7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.

We live in a world where it is very easy to compare your work for God with others. Social media allows us to put the highlight reel of our family, occupation, and even ministry out there for all the world to see. Many people compare their ordinary day with someone else’s best day. Intimidation, discouragement, or even envy sometimes quickly follows. The enemy would like nothing more than to bring harm to the body of Christ by getting believers trapped in a comparison game. This happened in the Corinthian church and the enemy would like to see it happen again.

Remember that your part matters. Paul said, “It does not matter who does the planting, or who does the watering,” What is important is that each believer in the body of Christ realizes that he or she has a part to play. Your part is not greater than or less than anyone else’s part. You are a necessary member in the body of Christ and the part you play is significant to the expansion of the Kingdom.

God’s part makes your part fruitful. Growth in the Kingdom is not because of your great expertise alone. In the process of playing your part in God’s Kingdom, God brings growth, fruitfulness, and success to your life. Jesus stated in John 15:5, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus is explicitly saying that without His power, we will accomplish nothing. It is His help that causes growth.

God is responsible for your reward. You do not need the applause of men, the publicity of the media, or the recognition of society to receive your reward. God makes it His business to reward those who diligently seek to do His will.

Today’s Challenge: Don’t get trapped in keeping score with other people and their accomplishments. God is going to reward you for being faithful over what He has placed in your hands.