Thomas J. DeLong, a professor at Harvard Business School, has noted a disturbing trend among his students and colleagues—a comparison obsession. He writes: “Business executives, Wall Street analysts, lawyers, doctors and other professionals are obsessed with comparing their own achievements against those of others. . . . I have interviewed hundreds of HNAPs (high-need-for-achievement-professionals) about this phenomenon and discovered that comparing has reached almost epidemic proportions. This is bad for individuals and bad for companies [and it leads to diminished satisfaction].” It’s also especially bad for believers in Jesus.
To help His followers understand what the kingdom of heaven is like and the dangers of comparison obsession, Jesus told a parable about a landowner who hired workers to tend his vineyard. He hired workers around 6 a.m. and agreed to pay them a denarius, a day’s wage (Matthew 20:1-2). Then he hired workers at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. and indicated that he would pay them what “was right” (Matthew 20:4-5).
When it was time to pay all the workers, he paid them each the same wage, a denarius. The first group he hired protested, accusing the owner of being unfair. But the owner reminded the grumblers that he could choose to be controversially and scandalously generous if he so desired (Matthew 20:13-14). Then he revealed the root of the issue—they were “jealous” of his extravagant generosity (Matthew 20:15).
When God is truly reigning in our hearts, we see Him as sovereign, gracious, just, and generous. There’s no room for bitter envy and unhealthy comparison. May we simply focus on the life God has given us and live with gratitude.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 3:1-21
More:
Read Galatians 6:4-5 and see the instructions Paul gave to help us avoid comparing our work with others’.
Next:
How is comparison obsession more of a vertical (human to God) problem than a horizontal (human to human) problem? What are some practical things you can do to eliminate comparison obsession?
Gary Shultz on June 19, 2016 at 6:15 am
As you know Marvin, this is a kicker. I would on occasion feel like the writer in Psalm 73, he pulled it out at the end; however, not always as easy for me. The passage in Matthew always stumped me in the soul; I was with the workers, it did not seem fair. Then I saw it through the eyes of salvation, I also looked at it as workers with God knowing the need for getting in the harvest. As the passage itself reads, no one was cheated, the question is can we stand it when generosity is given beyond what we have or think we should have. I still think the emphasis must be on the harvest, as Christ said to Peter, “what is that to you, follow Me”, we work for the Lord, not ourselves and He knows and is able to reward after all the days of work are over. God never has and never will cheat anyone, He is the Great Rewarder. Thanks Marvin.
gagirllive on June 19, 2016 at 6:49 am
Gary, I hadn’t even read your post before I opened up and read the devo and then made my comments. So cool that the Spirit gave us both that John 21: 22 reference. Have a great Father’s Day, Gary!
gagirllive on June 19, 2016 at 6:42 am
Hi, Marvin…and Happy Father’s Day to you and all the ODJ dads—both writers and readers! You know, I have always loved this parable that Jesus told. It proves that God isn’t fair—He’s merciful! I don’t know about you, but I don’t want “fair” from Him because it definitely wouldn’t be pretty. 🙂 There are two scriptures that have helped me when I am tempted with the sin (and yes, it is sin) of comparison. The first one is Psalm 32: 8—“I will guide you in the best pathway for your life. I will advise you with my eye upon you.” Right there I know that the Lord has designed a unique plan just for me. Every experience on my journey—the good and bad—will somehow fit into His purposes concerning my life. I remind myself often that He is writing His story in me, and I don’t have to worry about how it’s all going to play out as long as He’s the Author. I also don’t have to concern myself about His purposes in writing someone else’s story. The other verse is John 21: 22. Jesus has just sketched out Peter’s life’s journey and what manner of death he would die. Peter looks over at John and asks, “What about him?” Jesus says to Peter, “What is that to you? You follow Me.” In other words, Jesus says, “Don’t compare your life with John’s. It’s none of your business what I have planned for him. You just do what I tell you to do.” Ouch. Kinda blunt, but it cuts to the heart of the matter, doesn’t it? Not to be hard on Peter, but I’m so thankful for this little exchange between him and Jesus because those are words we all need to hold fast. When we are confident in God’s perfect plan for us and trusting Him to guide us along His best pathways, we don’t have to succumb to jealousy and comparison. I always say that all of life is grace. We deserve NO favor from God. All we can be is grateful for His super abundant generosity toward us in all things. And that, my friends, leaves no room for comparison. Thank you, Marvin, for this great encouragement today. Grace and peace to all!