Mirrors made of glass are not the only thing we gaze at to glean information about ourselves, right? I stay guilty of listening to, reading, and watching others do great things and wonder if I could pull it off. Everywhere I look someone else is doing the thing I’d like to do and doing it well. Comparison happens.

So, since comparison happens, what do we do with what we see, hear, and read? That question hounds me and picks at all my sensitivities. I want to offer a suggestion. After mulling for a few weeks, something sparked for me.

Have you been to a restaurant with an extensive menu? An ice cream place with more flavors than you have fingers and toes? I find all the options exciting. I always wish I could have a sample of each flavor. When I observe people, I see examples of uniqueness, just like a living sampler platter of God’s glory.

My favorite podcaster is Annie F. Downs. We have very little in common. That may be why I love listening to her. Her light, fun style contrasts hard with my predominately quiet and measured self.

An episode of Annie’s That Sounds Fun podcast was playing in my car on my way home. My mind wandered to thinking about how we let comparison bully us. So many wonderfully successful podcasters and authors influence my life. Somehow, I let our obvious differences keep me from sharing who I am with others for fear I won’t measure up.

At lunch this week, my friend and I compared notes about life. She shared with me how a talk I gave changed her. I shared with her that she is the person that I and all my friends want to be like when we grow up. Why is hearing encouragement and validation so cringe-worthy? Why do those words have such trouble finding footing on our hearts?  She sat there shaking her sweet head at me as if to say, “No, I’m the last one you want to emulate.” I could practically see my words skating around on her heart, unable to find a sticking place.

The two of us saddled up discomfort and held on for dear life. We talked through authenticity and wrestled with self-concept. We agree that a general feeling of “not enough” is pervasive among the women we know. We also agree that people who share their authentic selves are world changers. Those are people worthy of emulating.

After the time with my friend, my mind wandered back to the topic of comparison. I realized as we chatted how dangerous using others as a mirror can be. If I listen to Annie F. Downs and walk away discouraged because I am not fun and light, I have done both Annie and me a disservice. I miss the point, and you do too when you do that.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. 

Ephesians 2:10 (CSB)

Here’s the thing: Annie is doing what God created Annie for. You and I need to do what God created us for. Don’t let comparison bully you off your purpose. You are enough. I am enough. And, when words of encouragement and validation come, for Pete’s sake, let them land.

In II Corinthians 3, Paul talks about the transformation that takes place in a believer’s life. The Spirit of God changes us. We, then, become vessels to display God’s glory to others. Instead of recognizing that for what it is, we let our inner Eeyore take over to interpret. He is a terrible interpreter!

“We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

II Corinthians 3:18 (CSB)

We are transformed from glory to glory, from the best we can be for Him today, to the best we can be for Him tomorrow. The process continues as long as we are alive. As we look in the mirror of His word and cultivate a relationship with Him, that same image reflects to others around us when we are about the business of life.

Glory to glory looks like lots of different things. If we are not careful, we will end up fixating on the vessel and driving around town thinking Eeyore’s thoughts.

What has God prepared for you to do? That people-mirror we can’t seem to look away from can provide some good clues. Instead of comparison, how about shopping for options?

Annie reflects powerful authenticity. My lunch friend reflects loving servitude. When you look at people around you what character traits of God do you see reflected? We can use that, ya’ll. I feel encouraged to look for Jesus instead of comparing vessels. Sound like a plan?