Why Measuring is Good for Projects, Not People

Inside: When we compare, we are only seeing what’s on the outside, not the inside. Measuring ourselves limits our faith because God made each of us unique.

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Can I admit something? I’m really bad at using a measuring tape. My husband was a carpenter, and his tape measure was one of the most important tools on his tool belt.

He can measure precisely, but if he asks me to help measure something, I need him to help me. I forgot what the dashes mean. I might say “2/16” and he quickly corrects me and says “no it’s 1/8.” Did they teach this in school, or was I absent that day?

It’s funny how bad I am with a measuring tape, but how good I size up other women in relation to myself.

My Issue with Comparing

If you put me in a group of women, I am a quick draw using my own system of measurement. Wow, look at her, she looks more stylish than me. Or she’s prettier than me. She’s a great mom and she has a lot of friends.

This is only the beginning of the comparisons I start to form in my mind. Sometimes I miss the event because I’m too involved in scrutinizing those around me.

How come I’m not happy in my own skin?

Why are my eyes wide open to what others have, but the blinders cover what I have?

The comparing woman limits her faith instead of letting herself walk in faith. Share on X

Tape Measures Have Their Place

A tape measure shows precise measurements. We measure with it and then put it away. Did you know that wider tape measures are better? Cheap tape measures will be too narrow and will lose shape. A wider tape measure can extend long distances before it collapses.

When I measure others, I am only looking at what I think I see, not what’s inside.

The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel. ~Steven Furtick

Isn’t this true?

Scroll through Facebook or Instagram and we see the highlights in everyone’s life. Does anyone post the times when life stinks? What about the time they screwed up?

We see a narrow view of someone’s life.

When we focus on the good things of another person, it can cause us to lose the mold God has given us. We need to re-frame our thinking to a wide view of what God says about us. A broad vision will keep us from bending and collapsing.

Four Tips to Remember When We Begin to Compare Ourselves to Others

1. God made me.

Everything in my life, God has allowed. He has filtered it down to the minutest detail.  God knows what’s best for me. He is guiding me from this point to the end point.

2. God chose me

He has a mark on me. I belong to Him. Many people in this world will not be in Heaven someday, but I have been set apart. When we start to examine ourselves to another, remember we are His. Beloved. God’s workmanship. The reason for the cross.

3. I am unique and God has a purpose for me.

Pastor Rick uses the acrostic SHAPE, which is your Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. God loves my idiosyncrasies and all these parts will be used for my purpose.

4. Comparing can be good if it spurs me to change and motivates my growth, but can also lead to self-doubt.

If I desire to be more compassionate or more giving like another, I could emulate and learn how to be better. If I get stuck and stagnant, I might need to question myself if I am spending too much time comparing.

⁴ Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else (Galatians 6:4, NLT).

Heavenly Father- I thank you for making me unique. Please help me realize my worth in your eyes. I am the best me. You have a plan and purpose for just me. When I compare, help it motivate me to growth. I want to be the best I can be for you! Your child, Amen!

Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and LonelyMade to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not FoodAlways Enough, Never Too Much: 100 Devotions to Quit Comparing, Stop Hiding, and Start Living Wild and FreeSelf worth: The Power Of Self-Worth: Stop Striving. Stop Comparing. You are Fearfully And Wonderfully Made. (To Blame A Sunset Book 3)Compared to Who?: A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image