We want to be like others

Since the beginning, God’s people were always to be different, set apart. They were to act different, think different, live different. God was to be their King.

In the Old Testament, this was the case, as God rescued His people from  slavery and delivered them to a new, promised land. He was their king.

However, somewhere along the way, the people began seeing other nations, other people, that were ruled by a king. We aren’t sure exactly what they saw in the other nations, but, certainly, their perception was that life was better, the grass was greener on the other side.

God’s people demanded an earthly king, saying in 1 Samuel 8:5, “give us a king like all the other nations have. Samuel warned them about the request, predicting everything from mistreatment to slavery to excessive taxation to removal of kids from families.

But, again, after the warnings, the people said, “we want to be like the nations around us.” The result was, as predicted by Samuel, the earthly kings forever mistreated God’s people. The grass wasn’t greener.

The desire that God’s people had thousands of years ago to be like others is the battle of every man and woman and child today.

We forsake God to be like others. We remove God from His throne in our life to follow another king. We desire to be like other people. 

Comparisons take root.

Someone else has something, we desire it. Someone else achieves something, travels somewhere, builds the house,  has a title or position and it causes discontentment. We want to be like them.

We see it in our churches, as customs, traditions, the desire to have programs and music like others infiltrates halls. 

We see it families, as people race to have (fill in the blank). Social media is a personal advertising platform or highlight reel for life on the good side. 

We see it in personal relationships. Marriages are compared against others, highlighting gaps. Friendships are compared, number of friends (real or not) are counted, and perceived closeness is measured.

We certainly see it in companies, teams, and organizations, as the model seems to drive comparisons, inviting division and battling unity.

What is the needed change?

It is no different than God’s people thousands of years ago. Allow God to be the King of your life. Let Him be on the throne.

Practically, this looks like a personal relationship. Give Him the keys. From money management to relationships to where you invest your time, seek His wisdom. Seek Him.

It is a daily walk, a daily surrender, a daily commitment, a daily mindset. The pull of comparison is great.

Joy, peace, contentment, still water can only be found through Christ.

Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelations 3:20