Comparing {My Child is Better Than Yours}

We all do it. 

"Is this peach more ripe compared to that one?"
"Does this Cabernet have more bold zing than the one I tasted yesterday?"
"Does this sweater look better on me than that shirt?"
"Your child can do what? Mine can't."
"My child can do this, but yours can't?"
"Look at how they're raising their kids."
"They homeschool? That explains it."
"They public school? Sinners."
"Why would anyone buy a minivan? An SUV is the way to go."
"My house looks so much better than theirs. They need to rethink a few things."
"Why do they moralize food, but ignore what Scripture says about the morality of sex and modesty?"

Not all of these might have come from your lips, but have they been thought? Several of these have both escaped my mouth to my husband, or been thought over and over in my mind. Is it bad to compare fresh produce in order to get the most for my money? I don't think so. 
But, is it beneficial to compare myself to others in such a way that elevates me over them?  

What do I gain?

Why do I do it?

Why do I care what other people do? Is it healthy to compare? Is it Biblical? Does it draw me closer to the Lord?

No. 

In my recent study of John I was dumbfounded by a conversation between Peter and Jesus. In John 21, the two men are taking a walk. Peter looks behind him and sees the disciple whom Jesus loved (John) and said to Jesus, "Lord, and what about this man?" 

Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." 

Jesus and Peter had a conversation previously about Peter and Jesus. Apparently what was being discussed didn't quite sink in as Peter felt the need to be concerned about John, instead of his own relationship with Christ. I find Jesus' response to Peter's question interesting. "...what is that to you? You follow Me." 

If I may put it in my own interpretation, I would write: "Peter, if I want John to live until I return, why must you be concerned about it? You need to focus on what I have called you to do: that is, follow Me. Don't worry about John, don't compare yourself to John. You, do what I've told you and follow Me." 

There are times when we do need to consider other people and butt in. A person being mugged, a child needing discipline and correction, our aged parents needing physical help. The list can go on.

Lately, I have found that I've spent too much time comparing myself to others, in essence, butting in to how they live their lives. Comparisons that don't bring the Lord honor. Comparisons that put me above others without even thinking about how I am being disobedient to what God has called me to do.

Cristen, you follow Me.