The Perils of Comparison and the Call to Spiritual Focus

Episode 013 – The Spiritual Discipline of Minding Your Own Damn Business

There’s an important spiritual practice you might be overlooking. Lots of people are. But this one little thing can bring you a lot of peace. And I know you and me both could use more inner peace. That practice?

Minding your own damn business. This is a key that opens the door of spiritual growth.

Show Notes

Show notes will not be a transcript. At least not now. You’ll find a few key bullet points, any scriptures references, as well as any other books or resources referenced.

• One of the most destructive things we do for our spiritual growth is to compare ourselves to other people.
• Comparison feels like an accomplishment, since it allows us to highlight how we’re doing well in comparison to other people, but it distracts us from our own inner life and spiritual journey.
• So much of our frustration and unhappiness comes from our tendency to compare.
  • Jesus restores Peter on the beach and forgives him, then he tells Peter something about his future. Peter’s first response is to point at someone else and ask, “Well, what about him?”In John 21:17-22 we see Peter and Jesus interacting, and Peter’s first instinct is to compare himself to someone else’s spiritual journey.
  • Jesus’ response: “What is that to you? As for you, follow me.”
  • This is the key to opening the door to spiritual growth.
• The Spiritual Practice of Minding Your Own Business
  • When I’m focused on the journey of other people, I don’t have to do anything toward my own growth.
  • Comparing my choices with other people feels like an accomplishment, but it keeps you from growing.
  • You are responsible for your own journey and that is where your energy and attention should be focused
• Matthew Henry, an 18th century preacher commented:
  • “If we will closely attend to the duty of following Christ, we shall find neither heart nor time to meddle with that which does not belong to us.” – Commentary on John 21:22

• Will you join my Audiobook Launch Team?
  • I am so excited to announce that the audiobook for The Wisdom of Your Heart is finally done. The plan is to launch at the end of March. If you live online–Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram–I would LOVE to have your help getting the word out. The commitment is short — just 6 weeks through March and the first two weeks of April. I’ll provide lots of content — memes, images, videos, text — that you can share. I can’t do this alone! If The Wisdom of Your Heart has been meaningful to you, and you’re comfy online, would you be willing to help? Email me at marc@marcalanschelske.com and you’re in.

My Links

• Subscribe to The Apprenticeship Way on iTunes and all other podcasting apps. When you do please leave a review. Those magically help other listeners find there way here.
• Want to bring me to speak to your community about this topic, practrical spiritual growth, or emotional discipleship?Check out my speaking page and let’s talk about possibilities.
• Find it here on my website–this page that you’re on right now!
• Find a video version on my Youtube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Email List.
• Check out the Apprenticeship Lab Member Community. It’s $8/month. You get to participate in a small, private, positive community of people committed to spiritual growth as well as getting access to a growing library of resources for spiritual growth including 30 short videos for daily inspiration to kick off your year, and access to several online courses. This is also just a great way to help support the work I do. I don’t have a Patreon or other means for donations, so signing up for a membership is a great way to support my work in an ongoing way.