AVOIDING THE PITFALLS OF COMPARISON: LESSONS FROM THE TWO PREGNANT WOMEN

I was standing on the balcony of a school compound with a heavily pregnant woman. We were having a conversation. We saw another woman approaching who had just given birth. She was carrying her baby. They both greeted each other joyfully.

The Holy Spirit asked me, “What are they both carrying?” I paused and answered, “Babies”. Then He asked again, “Are they both in the same season?” I answered “No”. One is carrying her baby in her hands while the other was still in the womb. The Holy Spirit asked again, “What is the difference between the two women?” I said, “Time”. Then the final lesson for me was, “Did you see how they both greeted”. I answered, “Yes! They greeted one another joyfully”. The lesson sank in.

Beloved, there is no need for rivalry, competition or jealousy on the journey of vision. If you look at other people and it seems like they have gone ahead, be happy for their journey and be genuinely excited about their progress. The difference between your “here” and their “there” is only time. It is just a matter of time and you will be in the same season they are in now.

Paul warned the believer strongly that there is no need for rivalry or competition. Our journey is not the same. We can even be moving in the same direction but running at different speeds. We may not necessarily arrive at the same time.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV

Some people look at others and get jealous or even depressed. Stop doing that. It is ungodly. Do not let the devil have a space in your heart to plant the seed of hatred or resentment. Never let the wrong spirit be your motivation to do the right things. Your motive carries a lot of weight when it comes to decision-making.

Let time tell; some people were the best in their class but are not the best in life. There are times those who seem to be behind you will get ahead of you. There are times life will also put you ahead again. Do not become proud. Life is in seasons.

The man you interviewed for a job today may become the one heading the organization tomorrow. Do not allow the devil to plant the seed of jealousy in you. Stop fighting what you desire.

Many people got stuck in life when they chose bitterness and started building walls rather than choosing joy in humility and building bridges. Learn to be calm.

Rejoice genuinely when others make progress. Do not behave like babies who keep telling their Dad while driving, “Let’s overtake everybody”. Life is not just about speed. It is about learning the lessons of patience, celebrating with others and kindness.

David and his men were in a hurry to recover their family and their goods but were kind enough to patiently attend to an abandoned sick man that they met on their way. They did not know he was the key to all they were running after. Do not trample on others while trying to achieve your goal. No matter how self-driven you are, do not convert your ambition to a weapon of affliction. Calm down. You will get there!

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa.