When I Don’t Feel Like I Measure Up

When I Don’t Feel Like I Measure Up
RENEE SWOPE

“When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12b (NIV)

Do you ever compare yourself to other women and feel like you don’t quite measure up? Maybe you feel like you’re not as smart, pretty, fun, organized or as good at _______ as they are.

It’s so easy to think that if we had more or knew more, we’d be secure. But the truth is, even people who “have it all” still struggle with feelings of insecurity. The Bible opens with the story of a woman who had everything, but it still wasn’t enough (Genesis 2).

God had established Eve’s worth as His child and the crown of His creation. He also supplied Eve with every woman’s desire: intimacy, beauty, security, significance and purpose. Yet Satan conjured up feelings of insecurity by luring Eve’s eyes off what she had and on to what she didn’t have.

Boy, can I relate. Like Eve, I’ve heard Satan’s whispers telling me I’m not all I could be — or should be. One day I was reading her story in Genesis 3, and I noticed that Satan’s questions and suggestions were intended to plant seeds of doubt in Eve’s heart. He wanted her to doubt God and herself.

The enemy’s whispers tempted Eve to try to “be” more and “have” more by seeking significance apart from God’s provision. He convinced her something was missing in her life and that the forbidden fruit would make her be “like God.”

It was a foolish comparison. All comparisons are. Yet we do it all the time. If only I were like her … if only I had a house like hers, a husband like hers, a job like hers … if only my children behaved like hers … if only _______, then I’d feel significant, satisfied and secure.

In today’s key verse, 2 Corinthians 10:12b, Paul warns us that those who “measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, are not wise.”

Comparison will always leave us feeling like we don’t measure up. We can try to do more and be more, yet it’s never enough.

If only Eve had focused on who she was and what she had as a child of God. If only we would, too. Yet Satan wants us to focus on our flaws and feelings of inadequacy, then exhaust even more energy figuring out how to hide them.

We don’t have to go along with his schemes. Instead we can equip ourselves to recognize his lies, refute his temptations with truth and focus on God’s acceptance, security and significance.

Then we can thank God for His provision and His promises that remind us of who we are in Him:

I am accepted …
Ephesians 1:3-8, I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14, I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10, I am complete in Christ.

I am secure …
Romans 8:28, I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39, I am free from condemnation. I can’t be separated from God’s love.
Philippians1:6, I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.

I am significant …
Ephesians 2:10, I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12, I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Author and psychologist Dr. Neil T. Anderson says, “The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior (and beliefs) will begin to reflect your true identity!”

So, the next time we’re tempted to use the measuring stick of comparison — let’s commit to measure UP by focusing upward on Christ and who we are in HIM!

Lord, thank You that in Christ I’m chosen, holy and dearly loved. When I’m tempted to measure myself according to the world’s standards or my foolish comparisons, help me recognize Satan’s lies, refuse his temptations and rely on Your truth about me instead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 Peter 5:9, “Stand firm against him [the devil], and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (NLT)

2 Corinthians 3:4-5, “Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:
This devotion is taken in part from chapter 6 of Renee Swope’s book: A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Live in the Security of God’s Promises. To find out more or order a copy, click here.

Visit Renee’s website to download a list of powerful “Who I Am in Christ” verses and enter her “Contagious Confidence” giveaway! She’ll share practical ways to focus upward and Scriptural truths to help guide you when you’re struggling with comparison.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
In what ways do you compare yourself with others?

When you’re tempted to use the measuring stick of comparison — measure UP by re-focusing upward on who you are in Christ.