Avoiding the Comparison Game

Anne DeSantis discusses the comparison game as a secular way to look at life, one that doesn't foster Christlike values.

We live in a culture concerned with things such as outer appearance, the size and décor of one’s home, the number of friends one has, and the colleges a parent’s children are accepted into. The comparison game is played out on social media on a daily basis. It is a secular look at life when these areas are glorified and given praise; when categories such as looks, popularity, and wealth are patted on the back and given airtime. We know as Catholics this is the wrong way to view success, as the Lord’s outlook of achievement is much different. The Gospel of Christ presents the way of the Cross: sacrifice, love, and care for the marginalized.

What should we avoid as moms?

Mothers have the temptation of comparing in the same ways we see on social media at times. Namely, areas such as looks, outward success, popularity, and having money to pay for a lifestyle in “keeping up with the Joneses.” As people of faith, we know these aspects are not principle or key to thriving in life. Jesus calls us to be humble, caring, charitable, and giving. He does not summon us as moms to be self-absorbed, looks-focused, comparing ourselves with others, and competitive.

As Catholic moms, we can be tempted to vice when even within ministry we contrast our lives with others, display our holiness to gain acceptance, exclude other moms who do not fit our expectations, or have an air of superiority about our faith-walk if it is better than others'. It is a good reminder to us to remember to model Christ, His Mother, and the saints as opposed to having to prove ourselves to other like-minded families or those we go to church with or participate with in ministry.

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Jesus does not summon us as moms to be self-absorbed, looks-focused, comparing ourselves with others, and competitive. #catholicmom

The next time you are tempted to compare yourself with other moms, remember that the worldly aspects of life are not foremost to God. He does not care about things such as a perfect hair day, the nail salon you go to, how many friends show up to your party, or any worldly acceptance. What He does care about is how you love others, the way you demonstrate it, and your attitude about embracing the unloved, uncared for, and marginalized of our world. The marginalized are much close to us than we realize.

Pray to God for humility and remember to be open to becoming friends with those from all levels of society in imitation of Christ.

moms holding young children