what to do about comparison...

My lovely who have taught me a lot about being myself
(in our favorite place ever)

my sisters and i again being our nerdy sleves at
Star Wars weekends a few years ago

As much as I try to hide or deny it, I am super competitive. I always want to be the best at whatever it is that I'm doing, even if its menial or I think its no big deal.I have been dancing since I was around 3 years old and Ive been on a competition team for 5 years.  I'm a dancer and its every dancer's greatest desire to be in the front of a dance. This is so thwarted. The point of dance, as I see it, is to Glorify God by gratefully using His talents he has gifted me with. My selfish desire to be in the front are completely driven by my own stubborn will. I discontently compare my skills and abitlies with others rather than being grateful and kind. Friends I know that not everyone can relate to this, but I do know that everyone deals with competition. Whether it be in school, a sport, or even within your family, competition can be motivating, but it can also be catastrophic. Often when we compete we compare ourselves to other's skills and abilities, creating imaginary systems of hierarchy- its what human nature does best! Dating back to the first civilizations, the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, created a sort of caste system based off of unfair advantages. I admit, I do this everyday without even thinking about it. I rank myself in my body image, facial beauty, handwritting, flexibility, and thats just to name a few! Not only is comparison attempting to build myself up, but its also trying to tear others down. In order for me to feel better about myself, I begin to pick out flaws of others and convince myself that my sin or imperfection isn't nearly as severe as theirs. Oh my dear friends, this is so not who we were created to be! We are a people called to unity through the Peace of Christ(Colossians 3:15). We are a new creation in Christ. In His eyes, we are all princesses. He doesn't see an unflexible dancer or a slow runner, He sees His beautiful, forgiven daughter who is loved beyond comparison.

You're SET FREE from comparison because of The Savior's great love

My friends, my advice to you about comparison is to be aware of yourself when you do compare yourself to others. You were never meant to be the other person. YOU WERE MADE TO BE YOU! Beautiful, broken, forgiven, unique you. There is no one in history that has ever been like you and there will never be another you. Jesus thinks you're so amazing that He has arrested death so that you can live in community with God and one another. When you catch yourself comparing yourself to others, remember this verse-"I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart. Your works are WONDERFUL- I know that very well."-Psalm 139:14 . You are called by the Creator of the universe to Build His kingdom in a very special way.
Don't get caught up with worrying about what others think of you. The King of All knows your heart and He calls you His Beloved.