Do you remember learning about greater than (>) and lesser than (<) in grade school math?  We all learned to compare quantities, to count and recognize that 5 > 3.  If only our comparisons stopped there.  Instead we compare our looks, our wealth, our kids’ achievements and our social status.  We even compare our misery and ailments for competitive advantage in gaining sympathy.

Whichever side of the equation you’re on, there’s danger.  Let’s say you’re feeling “greater than.” In that case, there’s the danger of pride and indifference to the struggles of others.  There’s the real danger of ignoring all the advantages and lucky breaks that helped pave the way to our successes. 

Okay, what if you feel “lesser than?”  There’s the danger that you will overlook the good things you aren’t seeing while you envy the good circumstances of others.  There’s also the danger that you will harden your heart towards people who seem to have it better than you, forgetting that even those who ‘have it all’ experience suffering and deserve our compassion.

Consider what Paul says in 1 Thessalonians (3:18): 

        “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Our sideways glances that compare ourselves to one another bring all kinds of hurt and harm along with them.  God calls us to be thankful for this life with all its challenges and imperfections.  When we practice thankfulness, barriers built by comparisons with others are broken down, and we can experience the joy that God wants us to have.

Prayer (from the Book of Common Prayer):[W]e pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days… Amen.