“Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original” (Galatians 5:25-26, The Message).

Something came to mind that I heard a long time ago. It must have been good, because it has stuck with me all these years: never judge anyone else in comparison with yourself or other people. You never know where they started off or how far they’ve come to be where they are. They may not look as polished as some, but maybe they’ve gone through a lot more than most.

Each person’s story is unique. That’s why comparison is a thief of joy. Comparison robs us of the individual way God has shaped and molded us in our family, circumstances, and environment. We do best to live in the story God laid out for us, not trying to copy someone else’s story.

God is a master creator. He never makes two people the same, just as no two snowflakes are alike. The beauty of the body of Christ is how all the different people from different walks blend together and become one glorious representation of the hands and feet of Jesus. We’re like a mosaic of broken pieces that individually may not about to much but together form a priceless work of art.

No matter how insignificant you feel, the world isn’t the same without you in it. God’s Church isn’t the same without you in it. All of us have unique gifts and contributions that no one else can bring to the table of our Lord. All of us fit together into a picture of the glory of God that those outside can see and those inside can feel.