Today's Journal

THE THIEF OF JOY

‘Comparison is the thief of joy’ is a quote from Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) 26th president of the United State from 1901-1909. It suggests that comparing oneself to others can rob one of their own joy and happiness. This is because comparisons often lead to feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction with one's own situation.

Of course this is easy to see in our own physical bodies. Paul, an apostle, uses this metaphor a couple of times to try and have us see the necessity of each part. We all know any little thyroid, kidney, hand, eye or anything else missing causes a less intended function and a compromised body. This is why the apostle encourages us not to compare the gifts and functions of the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) That’s twenty verses to try and make this point.

The same efforts for environmental care, cultural care and the general care of the ecosystem is very much like the care of the body of Christ and it’s many parts. Every part is needed to make the body function well. Nothing removed or destroyed environmentally is good for our overall ecological health and wellbeing.

“‘Comparison is the thief of joy,’ well not if you’re better than everyone else.” (Blogger) That’s funny until we run into those who it takes it seriously.

Paul also wrote: “For we would not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who recommend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.”
(2 Corinthians 10:12)

“I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.” Jesus