The Comparison Trap
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."II Cor. 10:12
I could feel the beads of sweat seeping out from my pores as my anxiety level rose. The longer I listened to this woman's lofty goals for the next school year, the more anxious I became.
What was happening to me? I was seven years ahead of this lady in homeschooling. Having graduated four from highschool and two from college, I had already witnessed, first-hand, God's grace to the end. He had proven Himself faithful over the years and I had no reason not to trust Him.
And then it hit me! I was falling prey to the "comparison trap". Years of homeschooling does not make me immune. I still need to practice the discipline of "taking thoughts captive", to look back to the "ancient landmarks", and to remember how God has shown His strength in the past.
Unfortunately, I found myself a captive to this woman's ramblings. As I listened further, I had to remind myself that she only had two children, while the Lord had graciously blessed me with nine. Her homeschooling years would soon be over, while I had the glorious privilege to be able to continue. She had no more little ones and so was beginning to pour herself into outside pursuits. I had the blessed privilege of many more years of raising children for God's Glory.
Perspective was what the Lord was giving me, to aid in controlling my mind. Resting in Him and committing my thoughts into His care, was gaining me victory. Satan was being defeated and my peace was returning.
How easy it is to give way to anxiety. Feelings of inability, of not doing enough, or of not doing it right, can creep in quickly and play havoc with our mind and emotions. If left unchecked, these fears can be one of Satan's most effective tools to hinder us in our Christian walk and to deter us from our goal of homeschooling.
Homeschooling mother, keep your eyes on the Lord. Focus on the uniqueness of your family. View each child as an individual.
Remember that each family is different, and thus each schooling approach will be different because God's goal for each child is different.
Comparison only leads to compromise. Compromise leads to conflict. And conflict leads to corruption….corruption of God's Perfect Plan for our children.
Don't allow comparison to rob you of God's intended joy for you and your family!
God's Word says, "Be careful for nothing; but in EVERY thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil 4:6).
Every THING, every THOUGHT, every CARE, every WORRY – give them ALL to God in prayer. Tell Him your concerns and your struggles; when you do, He promises that "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).
When Satan tempts you to compare, rest in God's peace, rejoice in the uniqueness of your family, take heart in His individual love and guidance, and continue on in the course God set for you.
Remember: each family's homeschooling is as unique as the person God created you and your children to be!
Prayer: Lord, it's a challenge to fight the urge to compare. Feelings of inadequacy frequently arise as I look to others rather than to You. Help me to keep my focus correct, and my priorities on Your purpose for my family.
