THE POISON OF COMPARISON

The Sinister Seven | Pastor Daniel Norris

Text: Philippians 4:10-13 (ESV)

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

Nothing about my life has to change for me to become unhappy. The change is what I compare it to.

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11, ESV)

Content – autarkēs (Ahh-tar-keys) means self-sufficient, sufficient in oneself, needing no assistance. This was classic Greek philosophy where self-sufficiency was an ideal.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, ESV)

Christ gives me the strength to remain content whether I have what I want or not.

1. COMPARISON IS HOW WE CONSUME THE POISON OF ENVY.

14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:14–16 (ESV)

Comparison poisons the way I see others and ultimately the way I see myself.

2. DISCONTENTMENT IS THE DISEASE COMPARISON PRODUCES. 

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9 (ESV)

Discontentment changes the definition of enough.

Discontentment keeps moving the finish line of enough.

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” (Proverbs 14:30, ESV)

3. CONTENTMENT IS THE CURE FOR THE POISON OF COMPARISON 

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6–8 (ESV)

Contentment is a heart that no longer requires something more in order to have peace.

CONTENTMENT IS NOT COMPLACENCY.

Contentment doesn’t mean I stop believing for more. It means I don’t need more to have peace.

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11, ESV)

So how do I learn contentment?

1. PRACTICE GRATITUDE

2. CELEBRATE OTHERS

3. FOLLOW JESUS