Comparison is the thief of joy. A saying we’ve all heard, haven’t we?

We know joy is to be had. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), and something to be sought after. Time and time again in the Psalms we see instructions to rejoice and be full of joy. In Psalm 32, David proclaims God’s goodness and salvation, ending with an exhortation to “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”

Does comparison get in the way of joy?

This morning I was reading through Philippians and came to chapter four, verse eight: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.” As we learn which things are true, just, and pure we are then able to spot what is false, unjust, and impure. Are those not comparisons, and necessary ones at that?

There are many instances in Scripture where comparison is necessary and good. In fact, it helps lead us to make wise judgments. But comparison can easily turn into sin, and thus keep us from joy, when we allow it to it to lead us into discontent.

Think for a minute… Does someone have a well-kept home? Rejoice, and encourage her for her hard work - or allow yourself to become cranky that she somehow manages better than you. Does someone else’s husband have a higher paying job than yours? Praise God that they are taken care of - or start belittling your husband and making everyone miserable by complaining about what you don’t have. We can see how this works!

It’s not comparison that wreaks havoc, but discontent. Discontent, truly, is the thief of joy.

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”
1 Timothy 6:6