Barrier 6 – The Comparison Trap

What’s Standing in Your Way? Part 7

Have you ever compared yourself to someone else?

Sure you have. Sure I have. How about to someone who hasn’t done anything? In other words, are you comparing yourself to an ordinary individual? This is probably not anything you’ve ever considered.

This is the 6th and final barrier to what’s standing in your way of greatness. You’re basing your abilities and comparing yourself to an ordinary person when you don’t have to and shouldn’t.

Rather than doing what ordinary people do…
“Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches [like ordinary people], I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit [the spirit within me that makes me unlike them, normal people].”
– bible.com/116/1co.2.4-5.nlt

Rather than doing what ordinary people do, rely on the gift you’ve been give to make you unlike the person you’re trying to compare yourself to. Don’t discount yourself in an unfair comparison. Compared to someone else, they can’t begin to measure up to you and what God’s given you as a gift, craft, trade, skill, or talent.

It’s just not a fair comparison. My wife is really great with people and I’m very good with technology. How can we begin to compare ourselves. We have gifts that differ. If I compare myself to her ability to work with people, I’d fall short. Likewise, if she tried to be Mrs. technology she’d fall short. It’s just not a fair comparison.

Don’t trust ordinary wisdom.
I could say a lot about this statement. In fact, I’d argue that wisdom doesn’t come from ordinary people. Wise people aren’t ordinary. (Moving on…)

“I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit [the spirit that gives me uncommon ability]. I did this so you would trust not in human [normal] wisdom but in the power of God [the one who has unconventional wisdom].”
– bible.com/116/1co.2.4-5.nlt

You have power that exceeds, supersedes what comes naturally. It’s up to you to use it. If you want to be different, you have to start with thinking differently. If you think like everyone else, you’ll be like everyone else.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these 6 barriers to help you eliminate what might be standing in your way to living a life that’s much better than an “ordinary” one.