4 Honest Challenges in Walking with Jesus

Comparison with Others

It is easier than ever to compare ourselves with others today. Whether on social media or while shopping – we only see snippets of others' lives and quickly feel inadequate. Perhaps you see an acquaintance who is always perfectly styled, or a friend whose children seem to never misbehave. These comparisons can quickly lead to envy and a sense of dissatisfaction. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our lives would be better, “if only...”

But God reminds us that our worth lies in Him alone. He calls us to contentment and joy in every situation. When we feel dissatisfied, we can ask God to remind us of our worth and help us find contentment. One way to do this is to consciously thank Him for the small things in our lives. Perhaps you can write down three things each evening that you are grateful for. This way, you redirect your focus to the positive and recognize how richly blessed you are. Additionally, it can help to intentionally spend time offline and focus on real community.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

Dealing with Gossip

Gossip is one of the most difficult sins because it is so widespread, even within the church. Women, in particular, tend to talk about others when they gather. But how can we honor our brothers and sisters in Christ and avoid gossip? It starts with being mindful of our words. Before you say something about someone, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

When someone else's name comes up in conversation, we should ask ourselves: What is the intent? Is it true? And what impact does it have? If it is slanderous, untrue, or hurtful, we should not participate. A good approach is to steer the conversation toward positive aspects or, if necessary, change the subject. Perhaps you can also try to turn the conversation into a prayer for the person in question when genuine concerns arise.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

The Urge to Please Others

Even though we are no longer in school, we often long for the approval of others. You may feel like an outsider when your friends complain about their husbands or children, talk about their night outings, or rave about a shallow TV show. It can be challenging to hold onto your own beliefs without judging others. Yet, it is important to remember that our worth and identity are rooted in Christ.

The Holy Spirit urges us to listen to Him. As natural as it is to want to please others, we should remember that our purpose on earth is to serve God and please Him. A practical step can be to regularly take time for prayer and reflection to ensure that our decisions and actions align with our faith. Perhaps you can also find a faith partner with whom you can discuss these challenges.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people