2492) It seems to me that comparing my life, job, marriage, and income to those of others is non-productive. It can lead to ingratitude and only sometimes something good.

Taking a look at what I have versus what others have can be a door that opens to resentment, envy, and the subtle poison of complaining.

Not all comparisons, however, carry a negative outcome. In Romans 8:18, Paul reminds us that the “suffering” of this present time – our current difficulties – is really “nothing” compared to the glory and good of the next life for God’s children.

When things are difficult. When I’m sick. When my heart is breaking. When I’ve been whining too much, pausing long enough to compare these situations with the glory of the next life is extremely helpful.