While teaching in church, I held up two different fruits and asked which was better. Different answers flew across the auditorium. I calmed the people and said, “None is better. You don’t compare two things that are different.” They caught the message instantly.
Friend, you must stop comparison (John 3:26-30). Once two things are different, there is no basis for comparison. You cannot say orange is better than mango, or rice is better than beans. They are equally good but just different in nature. Comparing them only leads to fruitless arguments (1 Timothy 1:4-6).
God does not compare you with another person, so you must not fall into that temptation. Paul says it is a clear mark of foolishness (2 Corinthians 10:12). Why do people still do it despite knowing this? It is driven by a competitive spirit. That spirit will always push you into unhealthy comparison (Hebrews 12:1-2).
When you hear words like fastest, biggest, or strongest, you are hearing competitive language (Luke 9:46-48). God does not speak like that, and you won’t find it in scripture. What you call the fastest growing church may simply be in a different season from others. Our season and calling determine our results per time (Galatians 2:8-9).
A young minister once claimed God told him, “How I will use you, I have never used anyone.” He believed it until a senior minister corrected his ignorance and presumption (Ezekiel 14:4). God will not speak to massage your ego. You are uniquely unique in your calling. His dealings with you will differ from others (John 21:20-22).
Beware of competitive spirit. It is why many cannot celebrate what God does for others; they are always scheming to outdo them (James 4:1-3). It also makes people despise themselves, leading to ingratitude and depression. Don’t let another’s progress reduce your speed. True progress is being where God wants you per time (Acts 26:19, 22).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria
