Counsel #5 — Comparison And Competitiveness

Picture: Counsel #5 — Comparison And CompetitivenessCMH 31.1

Our constant state of stress and insecurity is often fueled by a society obsessed with achievement and "winning." The pressure to climb the ladder, amass possessions, and outshine others breeds envy, discontent, and a nagging fear of falling short. We're bombarded with images of "perfect" lives, creating an unfair comparison game that could leave us feeling inadequate and perpetually striving.^{[29]https://adventistreview.org/2009-1501/2009-1501-26/}CMH 31.2

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow.” 1 Peter 2:1 NKJV (emphasis supplied)CMH 31.3

“I have seen that those who live for a purpose, seeking to benefit and bless their fellow men and to honor and glorify their Redeemer, are the truly happy ones on the earth, while the man who is restless, discontented, and seeking this and testing that, hoping to find happiness, is always complaining of disappointment. He is always in want, never satisfied, because he lives for himself alone. Let it be your aim to do good, to act your part in life faithfully.” Ellen White in Our High Calling, p.242CMH 31.4

Reflect: How does the constant comparison game, fueled by curated online lives and societal expectations, impact your self-worth and sense of fulfillment? How can you begin to challenge the external narrative of "achievement at all costs" and cultivate a more “others centered” worldview?CMH 31.5