How Do You Compare?

She would often look at others and idealise their lives.

2 Samuel 14:1-33

Reference: “In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭14:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Explore: I used to be in a mother’s group with a number of women. From this group I made a really good friend, Bianca.

Bianca had had quite a challenging life and still struggled with her self-esteem. She would often look at others and idealise their lives.

There was one mother in our group who Bianca thought had the perfect life. Her husband was sociable and her children came to church every week.

But you never know what is happening behind closed doors. Sadly this family have recently fell apart. Their marriage has dissolved which has divided the children who have started expressing their grief in destructive ways.

My friend Bianca can’t believe it. She says she always thought they had it all together.

Application: We need to be careful about our perceptions. Just because someone looks all together on the outside and posts happy, smiling pictures on social media, it does not mean that is really the case.

In 2 Samuel 14 we read of Absalom. He looked fabulous on the outside and was the son of the King. How could his life be anything but perfect?

He lived, however, in such anguish that he would rather die than have life continue as it currently was.

We all have room to grow and improve. We can certainly learn from other people, but we need to be careful not to constantly compare ourselves to others.

Prayer: Lord, You are the one we should gauge our lives by. May we look to You as we aim to improve ourselves. Amen.

What area of your life would you like to improve?

2 Samuel, compare, Friends, improve, life, marriage