Ever heard this one? "Anything you can do, I can do better?" All people have a tendency toward comparison. Social media algorithms feed on comparisons between people, so it is no wonder that thousands and millions of people struggle with comparison. You will either think too highly of yourself, or too lowly, and neither one of these things is healthy or Biblical. "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." - Romans 12:3In this episode, I hope to expose comparisons and the underlying, deep-seated pride that lives in us. Once we do that, we can surrender that pride to the Lord and start living focused, effective lives rather than distracted, self-centered ones. You may start by asking the question, "who do I compare myself to?" Perhaps it is someone that, in all reality, you respect because of their unique gifting, a gifting that you are jealous of. Or perhaps it is someone you despise or think little of, that you think is beneath you in some way. Whatever the case, we must know that comparison, when founded in pride, is destructive, and the problem lies with us, not with the other person. The story of the tax collector and the Pharisee demonstrates how the motivation of our actions becomes extremely important for producing the life and work that God desires. The Pharisee went in to the synagogue to praise his own good deeds, not to honor God. The tax collector went in with a spirit of humility and contrition in order that he may be made right with God. We must have that same motive in our actions if we are to walk through life justified. Our motivation is simply this: to give glory to God in everything that we do, taking none for ourselves. When we do this, thoughts of worthlessness and pride and all negative comparisons are laid lifeless at the foot of the cross.Thank you for listening to the Strengthened Hands Podcast!Don't forget to send comments to [email protected] for comments, questions or future podcast ideas!Visit our YouTube channel to see video versions of the Strengthened Hands Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2HzPSrQ2RzhCdhqBqsTwWgSupport us by checking out our Etsy Shop!https://www.etsy.com/shop/StrengthenedHands