Consumed with Comparison

A news report concerning an individual taking their own life is always one of the most heart wrenching things. A recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle reported that a coroner had concluded that famed guitarist Ronnie Montrose took his own life. He had played with the likes of Van Morrison and Herbie Hancock along with forming his own band in the 1970’s.

The saddest part of this 64-year-olds life was revealed in a statement by his wife, Leighsa Montrose. She said, “He was tormented by clinical depression for much of his life. This was brought on by self-doubt that caused him to harshly evaluate his performances, even when audiences were giving him multiple standing ovations.”

We so often find it hard to believe that amazing musicians, athletes, or entrepreneurs do not see what a gift they possess. There is no question that individuals are driven by not ever being satisfied – but there is a difference between being driven by dissatisfaction and being overcome by it.

(Forest Hill, MD)

Ronnie Montrose was an extreme case of being overcome by self-doubt to the point that it caused him to take his own life. Reading this tragic account of a life consumed by his inability to see his gift, has caused me to wonder how many individuals have destroyed ‘what could have been’ because of the very same thing.

One of the saddest things in life is when a person becomes consumed with comparison. You are unable to see the difference you are making. You cannot hear the handclaps of appreciation. And you are never able to feel the pats on the back for a job well done. These things mean nothing to you because you are so consumed in self’ish’ness. This selfishness overtakes selflessness because our thoughts focus on never being good enough. We live every breathing moment trying to be sure our world is pleased – instead of the Master of the world that is to come.

(Forest Hill, MD)

Scripture declares that God has already given to us everything we need to accomplish the work He has for us to do. How tragic not to enjoy life and appreciate the gifts and opportunities that He has placed in and around you. 

Allow a Godly confidence to replace our human comparison.

Philippians 1:6 - being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)