personally

This thought of comparison just crossed my mind this mornin,

"Why do you say grace?"  A friend asked once

I replied something like  "Thank God because we have food that others otherwise don't have"

So he asked back "so you're comparing with other people? In this sense, are you looking down on them?" like saying, thank God i'm not like them (them referring to underprivileged.)

It was something to reflect about.

Can we give thanks in all circumstances without comparing? (comparing with others)

In some sense, am I developing this elitist mindset that I am exclusive to God (true in a way that God specifically chose us)?

If i compare, of course I feel that God is exclusive to me, I know that I am loved by God personally. I thank Him. 

Even King David compared in the book of psalms. The wicked prosper and he was afflicted, he cried out why??

In comparing, are we prone to dissatisfaction? to not being content?

Of course content is a subjective thing, some may argue, if i can get better why not fight for it? (wisdom) some say I thank God that I even got the job and remain there.

with regards to the first thought, its like saying "He can work once per 3 days! I'm entitled to it too, (I'm only working once per 2days) so I should seek it." some will say this is working smart, some will say "you're already getting one day work and one day off, be happy with it, thank God for it and even compare that they're working everyday as oppose to you." I might even come across as arrogant in seeking it (claiming/demanding my rights/ what is mine rightfully).

What is ours? what is rightfully ours? Who owns it all?

God gives and God takes, it's all His to begin with. With regards to that, in knowing that I own nothing, where is comparison? 

That God chose to give /bless  me out of His grace and love. I am God's. My rights are His.

am not saying its good or bad. but when we thank God for something, check back, why are you thanking God? :)

because we didn't deserve it?

because others don't have it?

etc

 

I think more than just thanking God for the food with humility that it is His grace, pray also for the less privileged. A heart of burden and love. If one doesn't have, ask for it, don't simply psycho yourself into praying for the sake of praying and think that you have the burden. Feel for them too.