Comparison Trap
Sandra Stanley
The temptation to compare is as near as your next chat with a friend, trip to the store, or check-in on social media. And whether you come out on top or come up lacking, there is simply no win in comparison. It's a trap. The Comparison Trap Devotional provides easy access to watch, read, and draw your way through this topic.
Leader Resources
Completing This Study as a Group
Purchase one Comparison Trap Devotional for each person in the group.
Pre-Read (optional) the upcoming chapter to prepare for the group conversation.
Watch the video online or via the Comparison Trap DVD .
Discuss the video as a group using the session questions located in the Comparison Trap Devotional.
Leader’s Guide for Each Session
Session 1
Session 1 brings out the tension we feel as we compare ourselves to others. This tension is not intended to be resolved; it sets up the discussion for Session 2. Allow your group to explore and remain in this tension. Also, be aware that question two has the potential to bring to light some significant childhood wounds. If this happens, affirm what is shared and continue to create a safe environment for people to share.
Session 2
While Session 2 walks us through the idea that we should look up (to God) rather than around, it’s not easy to reprogram. Allow your group to explore the obstacles (earthly parents, early influences, etc.). Reiterate that anything that contradicts the Scripture verses is a lie. These verses are the true and accurate view. The devotionals will set up how to replace the opposing beliefs with truth.
Session 3
Session 3 sets up the false idea that "God owes me." It might be hard for some to admit, but it’s okay to be mad at God. They are in good company. Moses got mad at God (Exodus 5:22–23); Jeremiah got mad at God (Jeremiah 20:7–18). They don’t need to move through this quickly. God can handle their anger. The truth is that even in the hardest circumstances, God is near (Psalm 34:18), and he is our Comforter (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).
Session 4
The antidote for comparison is twofold: celebration of others and leveraging what God has given each of us. Make sure to spend time on both ideas. This is also a great time to go back through the different Challenge sections and see the progress that has been made. A perfect time to celebrate!
General Leader Tips
An exhaustive Leader's Guide is located in the back of the Christian Study Guide. Additionally, if you find yourself as the lead facilitator of the discussion questions, here are three things to consider:
CULTIVATE DISCUSSION
It is the ideas of everyone in the group that make a group meeting successful. Your role as the leader is to create an environment in which people feel safe to share their thoughts.
STAY ON TRACK
While you want to leave space for group members to think through the discussion, make sure the conversation is contributing to the topic being discussed that session. Don’t let it veer off on tangents. Go with the flow, but be ready to nudge the conversation in the right direction when necessary.
PRAY
This is the most important thing you can do as a leader and as a group. Pray that God is not only present at your group meetings, but that he is directing them.