“Comparison is the thief of joy” is a statement often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt. However, women know this to be true, and it can be seen all throughout history. I’m not talking about long-ago queens or grasping socialites. Think further back. Think of Rachel and Leah all the way back in Genesis fighting for affection. Were they happy? We’re told of their open hostility toward each other.

Social media has made it even easier for modern women to struggle with comparison. It eats away at them: the house they own, the clothes they wear, their body image, their wealth and status, their relationships and even fertility, etcetera, etcetera, and on, and on… It’s a sinful attribute that humans struggle with all the time. We all fail at being content as God would have us be.

We have no idea what’s going on with another person’s life. Is she advancing up the career ladder but secretly wishing to be home with a baby? Does it look like she is effortlessly leading a Bible study or committee when really she only does it because no one else stepped up (again)? Has she lost weight but is really fighting a bad health struggle? We’re all fighting something. We do not need one more enemy, because we are great at that on our own.

And so God calls us to have the humble contentment of an Elizabeth. Here this woman, who according to Luke had fertility issues and was very old, found out she was going to have a baby boy who would help lead others to their Savior. What a marvelous miracle! In Luke 1:25, she even states feeling like the Lord has finally taken away a disgrace. See? Even Elizabeth struggled with outside opinions and her own feelings of failure.

Now along comes her young cousin, who is not only pregnant, but pregnant with THE SAVIOR. There’s no comparison, no feelings of inadequacy, no hate when Elizabeth shouts her happiness for Mary. She could have easily felt like her miraculous pregnancy was diminished, but no. She is clearly thrilled for her cousin and the news that the Savior would be born in her lifetime. All the waiting, sacrifice, and Jewish laws will soon be unnecessary (although Elizabeth and Mary don’t really know how). Promises of long ago are being fulfilled, and Elizabeth can’t contain her excitement.

Don’t let discontent hinder the excitement and joy we can feel for others. Yes, we may feel discouraged at times, but it is not OK to dim the lights of others. God needed Elizabeth at the right time to be the mother of John the Baptist so that he could lead the way for Mary’s baby boy. You might not know when or how, but God will use you to encourage others just as Elizabeth did for Mary.