Do you compare with other Trains?

Society is constantly trying to get us to buy the newest and greatest things. And one of the ways they do that is by making us admire what other people have. It tempts us to look at our lives and compare them to others, then we start to form dreams in our minds about getting that thing to make us look and feel good, too.

But there is a problem with this. The things that may “look” good and be the most popular in society, may not be what God desires for your life. Comparing ourselves to others is the quickest way for us to take the first steps towards the desires/lusts of the world and further away from God.

1 John 2:16 – For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

As believers in Christ we are not to desire the things of the world.

Galatians 5:24 – And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

I think back to when we talked about all the different types of trains there are or have ever been. When I envision my train, I see an old steam engine train fueled by coal. I have always loved the pictures of those going through the countryside with the steam coming out of its smoke stack. It gives me a more homier feel that takes me back in time. But sometimes, I wonder if I would be better off with a newer, faster train that looks sleek and is definitely more efficient to get me to places faster. Or what about those luxury trains that cost thousands of dollars to travel on that have beds with silk sheets, polished wood in the cabins, private bathrooms, and a personal butler to help you with your every need.

See … when we start comparing ourselves or our lives to others, our minds and desires can start to go out of control. Before we know it, that is all we can think about. We begin to focus on what others see of us, if they would want to be like us or a part of our lives. Our minds start to focus on “us”, not on God, and that is a track you do not want to go down.

Do you compare? Do you admire? Do you hope? Do you wish?… for things that God has not given you?

Matthew 6:31-33 – Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

We are not to compare ourselves or worry about what we have. God already knows where we are in life and what we will need.

Philippians 4:19 – But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We don’t need anything other than what He provides. If we follow Him, we don’t need to worry about the things society says we need or should desire. Don’t lust after the things that “look” good for a moment, seek the things that are good in Christ.