In a recent post on leadership humility I closed with the following thoughts:
The great challenge for all leaders is to not get caught up in the comparison game. When we compare and measure ourselves against other leaders around us, we will always come out better than some and worse than some–and this leads ultimately to pride. Instead we are to look to the Chief Shepherd, clothe ourselves with a slave’s apron, and serve all those around us. That places us in the midst of God’s great reservoir of grace and away from being in opposition to Him.
One reader then asked about how to combat comparison. As I began to think about my own leadership and all of the times I had fell prey to this disease, I realized again how difficult this can be. I think this can be especially challenging in the ministry. So I invite your thoughts into this conversation, because I believe it is an important one. All leaders fall prey to comparison at some point in their leadership lives, if not more often. Below was my response to how I have tried to deal with this difficult trap. In the comments section, please share what principles you have applied to maintain your sanity in the midst of leaders who were better than you and worse than you.
Comparison can be deadly and difficult to stop, especially when things are not going as you would like. I believe there are a few ways to minimize comparison.
One, get to know some of the other leaders doing ministry around you. When you actually get to know other leaders at a deeper level you begin to realize that they have problems, unmet expectations, and challenges of their own. Relationship can help to minimize comparison.
Two, take some extended time with the Lord and ask yourself what is the foundation for your temptation to compare your leadership and ministry to others? Comparison usually has to do with our sense of significance and security in ministry. When our own significance and security are not measured by the cross we will fall prey to other measurements.
Three, comparison can lead to jealousy, and jealousy exists when you can not applaud the successes of another. Pray for God’s blessing on other’s ministries as you fully embrace the value of the gospel for every person within your sphere of influence.
All three of these applications have helped me to minimize comparison–but its not easy and I am not pretending it is. We need daily intimacy with Christ, community with peer leaders, and the grace of the gospel. Hang in there!
What are your thoughts?
The post The Deadly Disease of Comparison appeared first on Gary Runn.