Published 9/25/19
By Greg Johnson
What If...
You’ve definitely noticed who the popular kids are at school. And as you get older—unfortunately—you notice them even more. Popular kids get most of the attention from others. They are noticed more by the opposite sex, teachers seem to like them more (usually), and they have lots of friends.
At your school, there’s this girl named Erikka. She fits the popular mold perfectly. Not only does she have nice clothes, she also gets involved in class discussions—teachers love her. Even though she acts like a jerk sometimes, everyone wants to be friends with her. Why? Because if Erikka likes you, you’re in.
Your wardrobe isn’t even close to Erikka’s, but you do have a pleasant personality and you’re not a kiss-up to the teachers. Plus, it’s easy for you to talk with guys; you know how to make them feel comfortable around you. You don’t giggle or get embarrassed or do dumb stuff to try to get their attention. But for some reason, you aren’t nearly as popular as Erikka, and that bugs you.
It’s not easy being low on the totem pole. Sometimes you don’t feel like you measure up; you even feel bad about yourself. All because when you compare yourself to Erikka... there’s no comparison.
Questions to Think On
• Have you ever envied (or wanted to be like) another person?
• Why do you think it’s so tempting to compare yourself to others?
• When are you most easily fooled into thinking that you have to be like someone else to be liked more?
Mom and Dad: When did you finally discover that it was a waste of time to compare yourself with other people?
What Does God Have to Say?
Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways. Proverbs 3:31
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
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