I saw a mantelpiece once with these words inscribed on it: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” That’s exactly right. All I have to do is compare myself to my best friend getting married soon, to people I know making big career moves, to others who seem to have life figured out, and I can quickly grow sort of melancholy. Do you know that feeling?


The Apostle Paul spoke to this universal tendency of people to compare themselves with others. He said it was not wise. Instead of dwelling on how “the grass is always greener…” perhaps we ought to consider that the grass is always greener wherever it is watered most.


Do you want to have “life to the full” as Jesus said in John 10? Then “trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3-4). And whatever you do, resist letting comparisons and envy rob you of joy. There is no use chasing after what others have when Christ has given you what you need: HIM.