Trust God and Avoid the Trap of Comparison - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - March 26, 2026
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:1-2, NKJV).
It doesn't take long to realize that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter, and any other social media platform are a huge door to comparison. Your eyes begin to get fixated on earthly things instead of things of the Kingdom and God's plan for your life. This often negatively impacts your decision-making. Regarding material things, you are now spending money you don't have, not just trying to "keep up with the Joneses," but with everyone else in the entire world! People's lives are constantly on display, and it is a great temptation for us to become dissatisfied and unthankful for what God has given us. We become unhappy. Not only that, but we also aren't happy for one another. "Everyone is getting married, having babies, getting an education, buying a house, getting a raise, a new job, a new car, pursuing their dreams, making connections to further their job/ministry, traveling, wearing the latest fashions, making more money, going on vacation, losing weight, AND WHY NOT ME?!" we think to ourselves. This type of mentality makes us question God's goodness, leading us to wonder whether He is withholding things from us.
We might know in our heads that God is good, but is it rooted in our hearts and applied to our lives? The struggle happens when we fix our eyes on ourselves, and then it becomes worse when we put our eyes on others and begin to compare or judge unrighteously. We begin believing lies and drawing conclusions about others, consumed with jealousy. James calls this thinking worldly and even demonic (James 3:15).
When our fixation is on the temporal, as believers, Paul tells us in Colossians that we need to look up:
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:1-2, NKJV).
Paul urges us to "put to death [our] members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walk when you lived in them" (Colossians 3:5-7, NKJV).
Did you catch that in verse 5? Covetousness is idolatry. When you covet, compare, and live in jealousy and envy over something that someone else is experiencing, you are worshiping what you don't have. Whether that is material things, a person, or a situation, that thing, situation, person, or position is now placed above God and God's plan for your life. You have made that thing, situation, person, or position an idol in your life. You become self-centered and overly concerned with your life; you have put on "self glasses."
"Self-glasses" distort your vision and heart posture towards God and others. Practically, this means that God isn't enough for you. These glasses also foster a victim mentality, leading you to compare and complain, which breeds discontent. Before long, you will doubt God and begin to take control of your own life. Lifting our gaze upwards, as Colossians 3 tells us, shifts our perspective, and we begin to see how God is fully enough. This perspective shift helps us believe the truth about God's sovereignty, about others, and about ourselves. Where have your eyes wandered that may be causing you to grow ungrateful and discontent, or even jealous? Ask the Lord to help you fix your eyes on eternal matters. Keep your eyes on Jesus and His Word. Cling to Him, abide in Him, and you will remain full of His love, and nothing else can satisfy you. You won't want anything other than what He has for you. His promises for you will be more than enough. You will begin to trust God with all your heart and lean on His understanding, not your own. When we do that, He will direct our paths, and He will never lead us astray.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/FG Trade
Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
