This One Thing Might Be Killing Your Joy – And What to Do About It

Comparison is one of the most subtle traps we fall into, especially in ministry. And it can be destructive. It whispers that we’re behind, not enough, or somehow less than the person next to us. Whether we’re looking across the pulpit, scrolling through someone’s perfectly curated feed, or measuring our impact against someone else’s ministry, comparison poisons our perspective. It distorts our identity and distracts us from our calling. But the good news is: you can break free. And the first step is recognizing the trap for what it is.

The Space Race: From Rivalry to Partnership

In 1955, the United States made a bold announcement: they were entering the space race. Just days later, the Soviet Union echoed that ambition. What followed was a fierce competition—first satellite, first man in space, and ultimately the iconic moon landing. National pride fueled the rivalry. Headlines thrived on the tension. But what no one expected was what came next.

After years of battling to be first, the two superpowers did something remarkable: they chose cooperation over competition. They began sharing knowledge, combining efforts, and building a future together, resulting in the International Space Station, a symbol of collaboration beyond borders. It’s hard to overstate how radical that shift was.

In ministry and life, we need the same kind of shift—from rivalry to partnership. From “me vs. them” to “us for Him.”

1 Corinthians 3: God’s Kingdom Is About Teamwork, Not Competition

Paul understood this truth when he wrote to the church in Corinth. The people there had fallen into a dangerous mindset: choosing sides, elevating leaders, and turning God’s servants into competitors.

Let’s revisit his words in 1 Corinthians 3:5–9 (NLT):

“After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News… It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow… For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.”

Paul wasn’t interested in applause or a platform. He cared about purpose. His message? We each have a role, and it’s not about outshining each other. It’s about working together for what matters most—God’s glory and the growth of His Kingdom.

Paul’s Message to a Divided Church: Understanding Our Unique Callings

The Corinthian church was talented and gifted, but they were also divided. They started to elevate certain people over others based on style, charisma, or popularity. Sound familiar?

Paul’s message was clear: Stop looking sideways. Look upward. Every calling matters. Every gift has purpose. Whether you plant, water, teach, encourage, serve behind the scenes, or lead from a platform, your role is important in the kingdom. You were never meant to do it all, nor were you meant to be someone else. You were meant to be faithful in what you’ve been given.

God doesn’t reward comparison. He rewards faithfulness.

How to Shift from Competition to Collaboration

So, how do we break free from the comparison trap and move toward healthy Kingdom collaboration?

1. Acknowledge where comparison is showing up.

Is it envy over another person’s success? Insecurity around someone’s gifting? Jealousy of a church that’s growing faster than yours? Get honest with yourself—and with God.

2. Celebrate others intentionally.

The best antidote to envy is celebration. When you cheer someone else on, your heart softens. Try it. Text a peer in ministry and tell them you’re praying for them. Share their win. Applaud their fruit.

3. Collaborate whenever possible.

Don’t just admire someone’s calling—link arms. Invite them to serve alongside you. Ask to partner on a project or host a joint event. Show your community that we’re better together.

4. Stay rooted in your identity.

Comparison often thrives when we forget who we are in Christ. You are chosen, called, and equipped for your assignment. You don’t have to prove your worth—you only need to walk in obedience.

Embracing Your Unique Role in God’s Kingdom

Think of God’s Kingdom as a symphony. Every instrument matters. The violin doesn’t try to out-blow the trumpet. The cello isn’t jealous of the drum. Each plays their part—and the result is beautiful harmony.

That’s the picture of the Church when we embrace our role.

You may never lead a mega-church or have thousands of followers. But if you’re faithful where God has placed you, you’re doing something that matters for eternity. And if we all do our part—without envy or comparison—imagine the sound we could make together.

Serve Alongside Others and Find Support

This week, take one intentional step toward collaboration. Maybe it’s reaching out to a peer in ministry, offering encouragement to a parent who feels behind, or thanking a leader in your church who often goes unnoticed. Look for ways to build bridges, not walls.

Also, ask yourself: “Is there someone I’ve viewed as a rival?” Pray for them. Bless them. And ask God to turn that rivalry into relationship.

Let’s remember the lesson of the space race:

We get farther when we stop racing and start working together.

From Rivalry to Revival

Breaking free from comparison isn’t just good for your soul. It’s a foundation for revival. The enemy loves division. But God moves in unity. When we stop competing and start co-laboring, the Church becomes unstoppable.

Friend, you have a place in God’s story. And so does the person next to you.

Let’s build something eternal. Together.

Would you like help discovering your calling, growing in your faith, or connecting with others who are doing the same? I’d love to hear from you. You can send me a text, or leave me a voicemail at dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/voicemail. Send a prayer request, or join my email list for more encouragement.

Thanks for reading—and remember:

You don’t have to outshine anyone to shine for Jesus.

You just have to show up… and build alongside others.

Let’s make the Kingdom louder than the competition.

Listen to the companion episode, "From Rivals to Co-Workers."