"Competing and Comparing"

     Is it just me, or do we Americans "seem" to be SUPER competitive anymore?!  I think that American society has become too competitive, and I dislike it!  In my opinion, some competition, such as sports, education, jobs (sometimes), etc., is well and good, however, for example, the competitiveness among females, which is largely driven by the beauty, fashion, diet, etc., industries, plus, the commercialization of them on social media, t.v., radio, etc., is not!  We're constantly being "brainwashed" to "WIN," to be "THE BEST," etc.  Even in "the womb" (hearing), we're being programmed to compare ourselves with one another!  Why?!  There are many reasons why, but, I think that the root of it is a "spiritual" problem.  The Bible tells us (2 Cor. 10:12)) that it is unwise to compare ourselves with other people!  Insecurity and pride often trigger competitiveness and things like;  jealousy, envy, strife, pride (the bad kind), etc.!  Who REALLY cares, for example, if one has the shiniest hair, or the "sharpest," "name brand" purse (the examples are countless), IF one's heart is hateful?!  HOW can I, as a 'Christian' woman, be content with that which God has blessed me, if I am continually comparing and competing with everybody around me (1Tim. 6:6-8)?!  Where does it end?  It doesn't! Don't tell me that evil forces aren't behind this "spirit" of being overly and/or inappropriately competitive!  To a degree, I understand it being prevalent in "the world," but, it shouldn't be woven into 'The Church!'  At "church" functions, everyone SHOULD feel loved and accepted!  People attending churches represent varying income levels and social statuses, and not everybody can afford to "keep up with the Jone's," and even if they could, 'God's Word' speaks against such behavior!  It's too bad that we aren't competitive in trying to be more "Christ-like," which would result in behaviors such as kindness, humility (Gal.5 'fruit of The Spirit'), etc., and then, we'd be preferring others above ourselves, as 'The Scriptures' admonish us to do (1 Tim. 5:21, Ro. 12:10).  Believe me, I do NOT have this matter completely conquered, but, I do TRY to deal with it relentlessly, since it IS a huge pet peeve of mine!  I used to be (before and after I got "saved") VERY competitive, although I didn't realize just how bad until 'The Holy Spirit' brought it to my attention, and began convicting me of it.  I truly believe the competitiveness that I had was due to several factors, some of which are things that I've already mentioned.  I think that whenever a child is heavily involved in organized contests, then, the  competitiveness learned  from this will often be unintentionally carried on into other areas of life.  The most important way that I can combat this problem, and make an impact on our "great American society," is to CHOOSE to deal with this within myself, and then, each time that I am tempted to compare myself to someone else, or have a desire to be better than, to stop, set myself straight, pray, then, CHOOSE to NOT allow that thought to become an action (2 Cor. 10:5, Ro. 1:21)!  Actions become behaviors!  Behaviors become lifestyles!  Our society consists of people and our personalized lifestyles.  I can also choose to make wise decisions daily, as to what I allow or not, to enter my being!  This is not an easy task, because "WINNING" is ingrained into our thinking and culture, however, by being aware of it, being, a student of 'God's Word,' a prayer warrior, and walking "in 'The Spirit,'"etc., I can guard myself against it, while God is transforming me within.  I must LET HIM change my desires from "soulish" to "spiritual."  I have to choose to obey HIM over self!  Peace (Phi. 4:6-13) in my spirit, soul and body (entire being), has become extremely important to me, and ANYTHING that jeopardizes it for me, I am learning to let go!  Nothing is worth trading for my peace!  As I reflect upon, and examine my past issue with extreme competing and comparing myself with other people, I see that it was an obsession!  Almost everything was an opportunity to compare/compete with anyone and everyone!  Then, if I "won," I "felt" really great about myself, BUT, if I "lost," I "felt" bad and invaluable, etc.  God DOESN'T want HIS children to live that way!  'The Bible' reveals that every soul is of magnificent value because HE created us, and simply because HE SAYS SO!  Whenever a person understands this TRUTH, he/she does NOT have to worry about where he/she stands in comparison to others, because he/she KNOWS who he/she IS in GOD'S estimation!  We ALL WIN with God, our 'Heavenly FATHER,' through 'Christ Jesus, The Lord!'  Furthermore, when I "GET" this, I am then ABLE to sincerely be happy for other people's accomplishments, etc., and not feel like I have to do better than they did, be jealous, envious, etc.!  It IS okay for other people's "whatever" to motivate and encourage me to improve myself, do my best, do God's will, etc.!  This issue actually goes back to the "LOVE" factor!  If I KNOW and receive the fact that GOD loves me, accepts me, and says that I am valuable, if I love HIM back, then love myself, love others, receive love from others, then, I'll finally be able (still a choice) to NOT be insecure, incessantly comparing myself to, and competing with, anyone and everyone about anything and everything!  I MUST sincerely love people to truly be happy about their successes, blessings, victories, etc.!  It absolutely takes 'The Word of God,' 'The Holy Spirit,' prayer, commitment, determination, self control, and ALL of 'the fruit of The Spirit,' to apply all of this!  In conclusion, when we're all finally in Heaven, 'The Lord' shall be the focal point, and with HIM we'll be OBSESSED, so, why don't we begin living this way NOW, keeping our eyes on HIM, "The Prize," not worrying about "WINNING" in "the world's" eyes?!  Let's OBSESS about pleasing HIM?!  "A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it.  It just blooms!" - author unknown.  Just  compete and/or compare myself today with yesterday's me, and nobody else!  REMEMBER to be happy for the neighbor who recently purchased that new, European, convertible, and pray away the urge to go out on an unplanned (+ prob. costly) vehicle shopping hunt!!  Hehehe!!