Perhaps you’ve heard Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote. “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Thinking about this saying lately, I’ve decided that it’s true. Painfully so. Especially as we enter into the holiday season with festive decor, family plans, parties, and expensive gifts, it’s easy to compare our circumstances with the apparent grandeur of others.
Comparison always steal joy. And he brings along a few other hooligans to aid in the crime.
Thief # 1: Comparison
Comparison keeps our focus on our circumstances. Wishing I had that house, her body, that experience, his friends—the list never ends. I may be perfectly content one moment and then discouraged and disheartened the next, all because I began comparing situations. My eyes, and therefore my focus, color my outlook on everything.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22
Thief #2: Competition
Comparison says, Her _____ looks better than yours. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that?
Competition joins in. She is better. She’s winning. Well, your ______ is better so you’re winning there.
How do these thoughts pop into our heads? They’re thieves we see as friends so we invite them in for tea and internal conversation. But giving room to these thoughts multiplies them, until our cozy kitchens are teaming with smooth-talking swindlers. And competition can rise up with so many things.
- Rivalry for best recipe at the holiday gathering
- Competition for affection or attention
- Popularity contests
- Tallying points for best gift at a party
- Vying for position or approval
- Prettiest holiday decor
Thief #3: Complaining
When we compare and compete, there are bound to be times when we lose. Even if we’re losing to our own imagined ideas of what things could be or should be, it’s not fun and often ends in complaining.
How to Catch a Thief?
Sometimes I don’t recognize these thieves till they’re walking out the front door with my stuff. But when I have my wits about me, here are some of the telltale signs of their pending ill will.
Sign: A lack of gratitude.
Helpful Response: Make intentional choices to promote thankful thoughts and let words of gratitude flavor your conversations.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Sign: Giving free-range to thoughts or emotions.
Helpful Response: Rein in and refocus on what is beneficial.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Sign: Exhaustion. If I’m overly tired I can let my guard down and easily give in to unproductive habits.
Helpful Response: Get sleep. Allow time to be refreshed or do things you enjoy. Even if it’s five more minutes in the shower, recuperate. Or maybe you’d benefit from extra time in the Word so the Lord can refresh you with reminders of His promises.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3
Any of these thieves trying to break into your life? What tips do you have for keeping them out?
Photo credits: Unsplash here, here, and here.
