One of the most negative behaviors we can ever engage in is that of comparing ourselves to others. The world we live in seems to cultivate comparison. We are surrounded by opportunities to see how other people are doing life. Social media makes it feel even more personal. We compare our day-to-day with the highlight reels of those we “follow.”

Comparison steals our joy.

Instead of focusing on who others are or what others have, let’s pay attention to our own identity. Psalm 139 tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”  God’s attention to detail when creating each of us is truly extraordinary! Each of us has a distinct set of characteristics that were given to us, by design, so that we can accomplish our own individual purpose. We don’t have to worry about what others have or what they do. We are free to become who God created each of us to be.

As you are running the race of life, stop looking to the left and the right. Focus on staying in your own lane and running the race that is set before you. Trying to run someone else’s race is exhausting and unfruitful. Run your own race!

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” ~Psalm 139:13-16