From Comparison to Contribution

In a world that constantly invites us to compare ourselves to others—whether through social media, career achievements, or even spiritual milestones—there is a deeper invitation from God: to fix our eyes on Jesus and faithfully contribute what He has placed in our hands. The story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5 illustrates how comparison can keep us waiting for a grand, impressive move of God, while missing the simple, humble acts of obedience that actually unlock His miracles. Naaman, a powerful general afflicted with leprosy, almost missed his healing because he expected something spectacular. Instead, God called him to a small act—washing in the Jordan River. Only when Naaman surrendered his expectations and pride did he receive the healing he so desperately needed.

Comparison doesn’t just keep us waiting; it keeps us watching from the sidelines, robbing us of the joy and purpose found in contributing to the lives of others. The Apostle Paul, even while imprisoned, refused to compare his situation to others. Instead, he endured hardship for the sake of those God was calling, knowing that God’s word and work are never bound by our circumstances. True community and spiritual growth happen when each person brings what they have, no matter how small, and offers it for the good of others.

Comparison also keeps us spiritually sick, stuck in anger, frustration, and shallow living. Like the ten lepers Jesus healed, only one returned to give thanks and was made truly well. There is a deeper healing and wholeness available when we turn our eyes from others and fix them on Jesus, responding with gratitude and surrender.

Ultimately, comparison is the heart of religion—striving to be “good enough” by measuring ourselves against others. But the gospel frees us from this exhausting cycle. We are already approved in Christ, called to be faithful to our unique assignment, not someone else’s. Surrender, not striving, is the path to resurrection life. When we lay down comparison, control, and pride, we make room for God to bring new life, joy, and purpose. The invitation is clear: stop looking at others, start looking to Jesus, and faithfully contribute what He has given you.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Where your eyes go, your heart and actions follow. When we fix our gaze on others—comparing our progress, calling, or spirituality—we inevitably lose sight of what God is doing in and through us. True transformation begins when we intentionally fix our eyes on Jesus, allowing Him to direct our hearts and steps. [02:59]
• 2. Comparison kills contribution. When we measure ourselves against others, we either strive to keep up (often beyond what God has asked of us) or we give up altogether, believing we have nothing to offer. God’s miracles often begin with small acts of obedience, not grand gestures; faithfulness in the little things is where His power is most often revealed. [06:12]
• 3. Faithfulness to assignment is the true measure of success. God does not call us to live someone else’s story or meet someone else’s expectations. Our approval comes from Christ’s finished work, not from the opinions or achievements of others. Living from this approval frees us to be faithful with what God has entrusted to us, no matter how small it may seem. [24:52]
• 4. Shallow spirituality is the fruit of comparison. When we only do what everyone else is doing, we remain in the “shallow end” of faith, missing the deeper healing and intimacy God offers. Like the one leper who returned to Jesus, choosing gratitude and surrender over comparison leads to true wellness and a deeper experience of God’s presence. [31:19]
• 5. Surrender, not striving, is the path to resurrection life. Comparison keeps us bound in pride, fear, and control, but surrender opens us to the new life Jesus offers. When we lay down our need to measure up and instead receive what Christ has done, we make space for joy, peace, and purpose to be resurrected in us. [39:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:32] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
• [01:53] - The Dangers of Distraction and Comparison
• [04:27] - The Trap of Social Media and Self-Judgment
• [06:12] - Comparison Kills Contribution
• [08:24] - Naaman’s Story: Waiting for the Big Thing
• [10:26] - The Power of Small Acts of Obedience
• [14:01] - Comparison Keeps Us Watching
• [15:05] - Paul’s Endurance and Focus
• [18:34] - The Call to Contribute in Community
• [21:19] - Lighthearted Comparison and Its Dangers
• [24:52] - Faithfulness to Assignment Over Approval
• [27:46] - Comparison Keeps Us Sick
• [31:19] - Shallow Spirituality vs. Deeper Healing
• [35:13] - Jesus’ Call: “You Follow Me”
• [36:39] - Gratitude as a Comparison Killer
• [39:29] - Surrender and Resurrection Life
• [41:16] - Responding in Surrender and Prayer

Bible Reading

2 Kings 5:9-14 (ESV) – Naaman’s Healing — > So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

2 Timothy 2:8-11 (ESV) – Paul’s Endurance — > Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him.

Luke 17:11-19 (ESV) – The Ten Lepers — > On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Observation Questions

1. In the story of Naaman, what was his initial reaction to Elisha’s instructions, and why did he respond that way? ([10:26])
2. According to 2 Timothy 2, what does Paul say about his own suffering and the word of God? ([15:05])
3. In Luke 17, what did the ten lepers do after Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests, and what was different about the one who returned? ([29:44])
4. The sermon says, “Comparison kills contribution.” What are some specific ways the pastor described this happening in our lives? ([06:12])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Naaman almost missed his healing? What does his story teach about our expectations of how God should work? ([11:46])
2. Paul says, “But the word of God is not bound.” How does this perspective help us when we feel limited by our circumstances or when we’re tempted to compare our situation to others? ([15:05])
3. Only one leper returned to thank Jesus. What does this say about the difference between being healed and being made truly well? ([31:04])
4. The sermon mentions that comparison keeps us “in the shallow end” of faith. What does it look like to move from shallow spirituality to deeper healing and gratitude? ([31:19])

Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “Where your eyes are, your heart goes. And where your heart is, your feet tend to follow.” Is there an area of your life where you’ve been focused on others instead of Jesus? What would it look like to shift your focus this week? ([02:59])
2. Can you think of a time when comparing yourself to someone else kept you from contributing or stepping out in faith? What small act of obedience might God be inviting you to take right now, even if it seems insignificant? ([06:12])
3. The story of Naaman shows that God often works through small, humble acts. Is there a “small thing” in your life that you’ve been overlooking because you’re waiting for something bigger? How can you be faithful in that small thing this week? ([13:19])
4. Paul endured hardship for the sake of others, not focusing on his own situation. Is there a way you can contribute to someone else’s life or to your community, even if your own circumstances aren’t ideal? ([16:01])
5. The sermon says, “Comparison keeps us spiritually sick, stuck in anger, frustration, and shallow living.” Are there specific feelings or attitudes you’ve noticed in yourself that might be rooted in comparison? How can you address them? ([27:46])
6. Only one leper returned to give thanks. What is one practical way you can practice gratitude this week, especially in an area where you’re tempted to compare? ([31:19])
7. The pastor said, “Surrender, not striving, is the path to resurrection life.” What is one area where you need to surrender comparison, control, or pride? What would it look like to lay that down before God? ([39:29])