There are two sides to every coin. While Paul’s admonition to not think of ourselves too highly is still perfectly valid, many in today’s social media soaked world probably more easily identify with the other side of the comparison coin - thinking of ourselves too lowly.
And yet the solution for both of these extremes is the same: to think of ourselves with “sober judgement.” In other words, a healthy dose of reality. Actual reality that is defined by God, not our distorted, comparison-based view of reality.
The reality that God defines for us is this: we are part of something that is special beyond our wildest imagination. We are members of the very body of Christ, and we belong to each other. We don’t look down on anyone because we think we’re better than them. They’re different, and they’re important. We don’t look down on ourselves because we think others are better than us. We’re different, and we’re important.
In your efforts to unsubscribe from comparison, I would urge you to start with a daily dose of reality. You’re different, and you’re important. Basque in that truth at the beginning of the day. Immerse in it whenever comparison raises its destructive head. Dive in deeply when you’re struck with feelings of superiority. Soak in it when you’re attacked by feelings of inferiority. And always remember, no matter what others may think of you, no matter what you may think of yourself, God loves you.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.