Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Sunday
February 22, 2015 Daily Devotional -
Dangers of Comparison
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or
compare ourselves with some that commend
themselves: but they measuring themselves by
themselves, and comparing themselves among
themselves, are not wise.”- 2 Corinthians 10:12
Years ago, I heard a story of a sister who killed her
twin brother on the eve of the day he was suppose to
travel abroad. He had clearly had a major
breakthrough in his career, and she was not happy
about it. Unknown to him, their competition started
long ago and this time, she felt that she could not
afford to lose! She had conceived this thought for so
many years and that day in her mind, was the perfect
time to execute it. It was a culmination of many years
of favouritism but how exactly did this start?, you
may ask.
The said sister grew up “knowing” that her brother
was better than her. When I mean better, I mean in
every aspect. He was the best at school, quick to
deliver when sent on errands, very respectful, and
full of life. The parents did not hesitate to rub it in
her face, how much more preferred her brother was.
So, she began to resent him. This resentment grew
to strong hatred, when she began to accept that she
would never become anything like her brother, no
matter how hard she tried.
Career wise, he was doing great and she, just
struggling. So, on that fateful day, she decided to end
it all. End the frustration, competition and hatred she
felt. Clearly what she did was wrong, but this had a
root in her upbringing. Her parents had shown
favouritism to her brother and never realized that by
doing so, they told her she was not worth it.
She would never be as good, as smart, or as
successful. They tarnished her worth before she even
had the chance to build it up on her own. Note that
the major aim of this is not to shift blame, take sides
with her, or validate her actions, but to show you
clearly one of the ill effects of having a favourite and
showing it; to the disadvantage of other siblings.
While this is an extreme case, favouritism has
brought about low self esteem, unhealthy
competition, and even rivalries among siblings. As
you start your day, examine how you have handled
your children. Is there any way you might be
favouring one above the others? Seek to amend that
today and it will save yours and their futures. Every
child has the capacity to be great, but it begins with
you.
Remain Blessed!

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