The Hidden Spiritual Struggle of Comparison in Recovery

Depending on your road of recovery, there are times when, if you’re not properly taught, you will begin to compare yourself and your progress with others’ progress.

The 12 steps disease theorists portray recovery as never ending, meaning that you will never recover because you have a fictitious theoretical terminal disease. They ingrain in their participants that they must confess they are an addict even when they’re sober, and that they will continue to use due to ongoing (fake) relapses that are in their future. On the brighter side, Christian Biblical recovery is a straightforward journey of healing. That is awesome and true, but when does the total healing come?

One of the most insidious challenges rarely discussed is the spiritual trap of comparison. Many Christians in recovery find themselves unconsciously measuring their progress against others, a practice that directly undermines the grace-filled path of personal transformation which Jesus performs at different timelines for each individual. Some of us need to learn more on this road to being fully recovered, so it takes longer. Others may be able to learn faster. This unspoken battle of comparison can create internal turmoil that can affect your self worth and walk with the Lord unless we understand how God works. It’s sometimes difficult to see yourself as a unique creation of God who requires individualized healing. I, personally, have seen some heal immediately, while others take a year or more. Supernatural strength and power comes to all at the right time.

This comparison usually begins subtly, in recovery groups, support networks, and church communities. Individuals start mentally comparing their struggles, achievements, and setbacks. This is a most dangerous aspect of groups unless it is brought into the light of God’s grace and mercy. Someone might think, “They overcame addiction faster than I did,” or “Their faith seems stronger than mine; what am I doing wrong?.” These thoughts can be as spiritual quicksand, slowly eroding the individual’s sense of unique purpose and God-given potential. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that each person’s journey is distinctly crafted by Jesus Christ Himself, as referenced from David’s complex path to redemption to Paul’s miraculous encounter with the risen Messiah.

What makes this struggle particularly challenging is how it just isn’t addressed at the start of each person’s recovery. In our Online Christian Recovery Center, I tell each and every person that they are unique, and, reaching full recovery can take different amounts of time. Not all others warn people. In fact most don’t deal with this at all. Christians in recovery might believe that measuring themselves against others helps maintain momentum. However, this mindset directly contradicts the core message of God’s individualized restoration in His personal relationship with each and every believer. Each recovery journey is uniquely designed, with its own timeline, challenges, and moments of breakthrough. Comparing oneself to another’s narrative is like comparing two completely different landscapes – it’s not just unproductive, it’s spiritually destructive. Personally, I wouldn’t integrate participants in groups until their recovery is well under way and many spiritual epiphanies have happened so that their tendency to compare their recovery to others is greatly diminished.

The antidote to comparative behaviors, lies in honest communication from the very beginning of recovery. We need to inform each individual that comparing their progress to others can be self defeating and dangerous. We have to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ’s timeline… not our own. Recovery is not a competition, but a deeply personal communion with God’s healing power and transformation. By shifting focus from external metrics to internal transformation, individuals can recognize that their worth is not determined by progress speed or visible achievements, but by the unchanging love of Christ along with His everchanging transformation into our being His re-born new creation. This perspective allows for genuine healing. Vulnerability becomes strength and imperfection becomes an opportunity for healing, confidence, and His grace.

Practical steps to prevent and stop this issue, involves awareness, daily heartfelt prayers, journaling (to measure where you started and how far you’ve come), and honest conversations with your recovery coach. Bible reading multiple times a day, having honest conversations with spiritual mentors, and hearing others’ testimonies, can help equip you to recognize and redirect these patterns. Additionally, surrounding yourself with a supportive community that celebrates individual journeys rather than promoting comparative narratives becomes critical. The goal is not to eliminate all comparative thoughts, but to develop spiritual resilience that recognizes each recovery story is as unique ad you are, and a glory to our Living God!

Have a blessed rest of your day. I hope to see you on my next post! Always remember you are made in His image!