LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
 
Saturday 2nd May 2026

THE DANGER OF COMPARISON

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 10
 
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
 
God’s calling is not the same for everybody. He calls us to do different things according to His plan. Can you imagine how Moses’ life would have turned out if he had compared his calling to Abraham’s calling?
 
Abraham was called to leave his father’s house and people and never to return. Moses left his father’s house and people but was called by God to return to them. Their callings took them in opposite directions, yet each one was uniquely doing the will of God.
 
We are not all called to travel around the world to preach. We are not all called to pioneer new businesses. Some of us must stay in one place to build those who are reached by others. Some of us must manage and nurture what others have built.
 
We live in a time of big dreams and big projects. God’s people are stepping out to do things that were thought impossible years ago. In the midst of all these ‘great’ achievements, we stand the risk of thinking that until we also do something big or pioneer something on our own, we are failing. That kind of thinking can be very destructive of your uniqueness and the special place that God has positioned you in.
 
The biggest mistake you can ever make is to allow somebody else’s achievement to limit what you consider possible. If your high calling is to be the one who teaches young children to read and write, don’t look down on your contribution and don’t allow any disrespectful comment from anybody to depress you.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that God calls us all to popularity and fame. Although doing what God has called us to do may make us known to the world, we must never equate fame and fortune with God’s calling.
 
Some of the most fulfilled people in our world are unknown. They serve and impact lives quietly without seeking the limelight.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me to serve you with the gifts you have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.