COMPARING YOURSELF WITH OTHERS DOES MORE HARM THAN GOOD

 By Michael Benson Ajayi

 John 21:20 -22 "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me".
       Inferiority complex is a strong feeling of insecurity and inadequacy which influences all of a person's interactions. Peter felt that his leadership position among the disciples was under threat because Jesus gave what was considered special attention to John. This was his carnal reasoning but it was contrary to God's principles . The scriptures says in James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." We have equal opportunity with God. John21:20-22 describes John as the disciple whom Jesus loved because of his affinity for God’s word(John14:21). He was fond of resting his head on Jesus' chest.The word of God had become his resting place. God does not 'draw near' to anyone neither does He 'draw anyone' to himself as often said in prayers. He is omnipresent and thus doesn't move from place to place but is able to move all things .The level of one's awareness of His love and eternal presence determines the degree of liberty one would be able to express(James4:7-8). The closer we are to His word the more we experience His liberty , peace and a healthy self esteem.
                In John 21:19-22 ,Peter manifested a sense of low self esteem while comparing himself to John and the liberty he enjoyed. Jesus had said there were those who wouldn't taste death until they saw His second coming, and John was one of them . He had an epiphany receiving graphic details of Christ's second coming: this is well chronicled in the book of revelations. It was rumored that John wouldn't die physically but the scriptures debunked it in John21:23 .Rumor mongering and hyper criticism are two symptoms of  inferiority complex and if not checked , could result in self destruction and loss of faith in the lord.
            A sense of discontent, disconnect,discouragement , depression and envy are the result of comparing ourselves with others resulting in a low self esteem often shrouded in a holier-than- thou attitude. It is the reason behind the killing of Christians by terrorists under the guise of pleasing God. Character assassination is another affect of low self -esteem among church folks. Joseph’s brothers envied him and planned to have him killed but he was rescued by God ( Acts7:9) Sometimes we tone down testimonies of success in a bid to please those struggling with inferiority complex:this is counter- productive and results in falsehood and depression. .We shouldn't be discouraged by someone else's  frustrations..
              Comparing ourselves with a mentor or in a bid to count our blessings is acceptable, productive and edifying . Low self-esteem leads to pride and unhealthy rivalry. In Genesis chapters 29 and 30 Jacob's were embroiled in a bitter rivalry that eventually resulted in the death of Leah.Not creating time for studying and meditating on God's word results in a carnal mindset driven by the lust of the eyes, pride of life and lust of the flesh. It is characteristic of spiritual immaturity (1cor.3:1-8) .
         Being thankful and living to please Jesus is the cure for low self esteem. You can't please the world. When God’s priority of winning souls for the kingdom becomes our priority we automatically receive peace out of a sense of purposeful living . Receive grace for excellence as you read this now in Jesus name. Prayer/counseling +234 8098 536 911, +234 8035 536 911 Email.michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com