My son runs track and somewhere along the way I picked up the line, "Find your lane. Run your race." It is the note I tuck into his bag just before meets. We both know that if he watches his peers he could be discouraged, the next casualty on the track, or even disqualify himself.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)
God has set you in your lane with everything needed for a dynamic life with Him. If you are not careful though, you may jump lanes from "love your neighbor" to "watch your neighbor" without a second thought.
This habit is a hard one to break because it is human nature to compare to find significance. When we measure ourselves against people, sadly we apply a value system God did not create. As a result, we tend to fall into the pits of self-criticism or self-exaltation.
In contrast, imagining who you can become because of Jesus Christ is a healthy comparison.
"The LORD will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever." (Psalm 138:8)
This type of comparison shifts your perspective to better see that God is your Source of every blessing and success, not yourself.
When you are tempted to compare yourself to another person, instead of feeling envious or self-loathsome, combat those lies with the opposite spirit. Give sincere congratulations, and heart that darn picture on social media. Look for God's goodness and ask Him to reorient you to your lane.
Your significance lies in being one infinitely valued by your Heavenly Father. He is at work in your life.
Dallas Willard wrote,
“The obviously well-kept secret of the ‘ordinary’ is that it is made to be a receptacle of the divine, a place where the life of God flows.”
Remember God does not look to your left or right. You have a tremendous crowd cheering you on (Heb. 12:1). Find your lane and run your race.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please help me not to compare myself to others. You are my Source. Lord Jesus, grace me to run my race and keep my eyes on You. Amen.