On my recent running adventure on the gym treadmill, I went from excited to defeated in a matter of seconds.
The woman on the treadmill next to me, who I like to call “Crazy Treadmill Lady,” was going 5,000 mph. (It was actually 7.5, but for dramatization’s sake, we’ll go with 5,000.)
I was excited about the progress I was making at 4.5 mph until I looked over and saw how fast she was going. All of a sudden, I felt like I couldn’t compare. What was the point of me even going to the gym if I couldn’t keep up with her?
Watch the video to learn how God quickly changed my heart from comparing myself to cheering her on.
Comparison steals joy. Let’s put an end to it. (Tweet that)
Galatians 6:4 says,
Let everyone be sure to do his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work done well and won’t need to compare himself with someone else. (LB)
Yikes. We can’t find satisfaction and do our best for God when we’re disrespecting what He’s blessed us with and desiring what He’s given to someone else.
Where do you find yourself comparing to others? How did God draw your heart back to Him? Share in the comments…
Great post and so very true and not just for women. We men do the same thing believe it or not. It’s tough not comparing ourselves to others. Nice perspective, thanks for the post.
Thanks, David. Glad to know it’s not just us women. 🙂
Listening to your gym comparison totally had me thinking of the 5K I ran last weekend. I was doing the exact same thing and probably pushed myself a lot harder than I should have. Boy was I feeling it the next day. But… as I was saying the prayer you suggested, a whole different area of my life popped into my head. You are so right about being a cheerleader for others. Even if we feel jealous or envious, we have no right to steal someone’s joy. We need to get over our selves and remember that all the glory should be going to the same place. Thanks for the wakeup call friend!
Glad I got a wake up call so you could have one, too. 🙂
I used to feel like that when I would go into the gym. I do it all at home now, but it is so easy to compare yourself to other people. We can’t compare our beginning to someone else’s ending. Its tough to let that go. Thank you for being real and sharing your story about the crazy treadmill lady.
Love that, Heather. You’re so right. Thanks for stopping by.
It’s normal though not healthy to continuously compare ourselves. Instead we should compare ourselves, to ourselves….
Thanks for stopping by Mike.
Love this! I’m going to share it with others!
Thanks so much, Janis.
Thanks for sharing. I love competing against my own bests. That way I won’t even think about comparing myself to others.
Great plan, Patricia.
Comparing myself to others is something I always have to be on the lookout for. It doesn’t do any good and it’s disrepectful not just to me but to the other person as well.
You’re right, Jackie.
I don’ t compare but I take ideas. Sometimes it’s the same thing!! Great post!
Thanks Patricia.
Why must we compare ourselves to others! Our media always show perfect bodies, perfect athletic performance, etc. etc. perfect everything. Why do you suppose their are so many children who think their bodies aren’t good enough. Good for you.
Thanks, Beth.
Hi Sundi Jo, great post and video!! I laughed when I read about your crazy treadmill lady! There was one of those where I worked out too only we called her the gazelle! Haha.
Anyway, you’re so right about comparing ourselves to others. It gets us no where. I really liked what you said about it being disrespectful to what God has given us. I never thought about that, but it makes perfect sense!
Thanks, Jess. Glad I could provide a laugh. God doesn’t want us to disrespect others. Why would he want us to do it to ourselves?
Have seen my share of those “crazy treadmill ladies” 🙂 I’m still itching to see / witness people who incorporate dancing with their exercise. That looks amazingly fun!