Wisteria
The pressure to compete and compare ourselves to others looks different in every season of our lives. This temptation doesn’t disappear; like nature, it may go dormant but inevitably sprouts up in new ways.
Consider the wisteria. All winter long it’s dormant. But come spring, it thrives, climbing over and choking off the vegetation around it. The wisteria’s purple blossoms cascade beautifully over limbs, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. But don't be deceived by its beauty. This plant wraps its graceful tendrils around its support, completely taking control. In the same way, the desire to compete is subtle yet destructive.
The temptation to compare can look appealing on the surface, but it has the potential to overtake and consume us.
It entices us subtly, like Delilah weaving her charm around Samson. Her goal was clear: to strip him of his strength. Samson resisted for a time, but eventually he gave in.
“With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it. So he told her everything…” Judges 16:16-17 (NIV)
Comparing and competing gradually wears us down. It starts as a small thought—an innocent comparison to someone else’s success, appearance, or abilities. Over time, if we entertain these comparisons, they grow, wrapping around our thoughts and actions, and eventually taking control.
The Bible warns us against this destructive pattern.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Psalm 14:30 (NIV)
“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Galatians 6:3-5 (NIV)
We must be vigilant and intentional. Recognize the temptation for what it is: a distraction that will take us off the path Jesus is leading us down. Focus on your growth and progress in Christ and the calling that He has placed right in front of you. Trust that he has good things for you.
