Behind every “Must be nice,” there is a hidden sacrifice.
Have you ever looked at another woman and thought to yourself, “Must be nice…”
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Comparison is real. It happens. It happens in nearly every facet of life. And if we aren’t careful, comparison will cripple us.
We glance at the tiny squares on the screen, but we are not privy to the pain of sacrifice. And just so you know, comparison came with the fall, not the invention of social media.
So it sits, waiting to be activated by Pinterest or people in our circle. Comparison especially wells up within us when we are weary in our own lives and tired of the sacrifices we make day in and day out.
We cannot always see the sacrifice of others, nor are we entitled to it for our viewing pleasure. But let me assure you, behind every single “Must be nice,” there is a hidden sacrifice- blood, sweat, tears, time, and totally falling apart because life is hard. It’s hard for all of us. We all make sacrifices.
Comparison is crippling, friend, but there is freedom in contentment.
Yes, our aim is contentment- contentment in our own success and sacrifices. Our goal is to be more like Christ, not to be more like another sister in Christ. But how? We should consider the sacrifice. Specifically, we should consider the unique sacrifice God has called us to in each season of our lives.
When we have clarity and confidence that our specific sacrifices are indeed ones God has called us to, comparison cannot continue to hold us in its clutches. Yes, the passing thought may come, but it cannot root itself into our hearts bearing rotten fruit.
And how do we know we are doing what God wants us to? We ask! We ask for wisdom. We ask for His will to be done in our lives. We ask for Holy Spirit help in every single endeavor. The dream is God-given and so is the sacrifice. When we have God’s clarity and conviction in both the dream AND sacrifice, the “Must be nice,” fades away.
The only power to break free from traps and temptations is found in Christ alone. How does God empower us by His Spirit to live a life of contentment?
He brings us into full contentment by the renewing of our minds in His word
He gives us the mind of Christ to serve others out of genuine love
He empowers us to cultivate our unique callings instead of chasing what looks nice- not all that glitters is gold, after all
This is hard. It requires humility. It requires the renewing of our minds each and every day. But the fruit is peaceful and prosperous. Contentment is a worthy goal, but absolutely unachievable without the power of God and help of the Holy Spirit. Remember, less self-help, more Holy Spirit help.
What has He called you to? What dreams has He given you? What are the hidden sacrifices? Think about it. Pray about it. Get some clarity and conviction on it today, and that comparison talk will start to fade away.
And while we’re considering sacrifices, let us always look first to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross. His sacrifice provides eternal life and abundant life. Yes, He has come to give us an abundant life, one free of comparison- a life free to live and serve as He did.
You can break free from the trap of comparison by the power of the Holy Spirit, friend. Fix your eyes, run your race, and let the Holy Spirit set your pace. Yes and Amen.
With Love,
Audra
So well written! I especially loved the “how” part. That is so practical! Thanks for sharing these thoughts! Such a necessary and encouraging reminder for all. 🤗