Do you get caught comparing your gifts with others? Haggai

Haggai 2:3-5 (NASBStr)
‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison? But now take courage, Zerubbabel, ’ declares the Lord, ‘take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage, ’ declares the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ declares the Lord of hosts. ‘As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear! ’

We are often, in this life, caught up in the world of comparisons.  We argue among ourselves which team is better, which product is better, and, regretfully, which Pastor, ministry or church is better.   This church isn't like my old church; or this Pastor can't preach like so and so.  Paul warns us that this type of comparison is not wise (1 Corinthians 10:12).   In the above passage we see that God draws their attention to their own comparison of the temple the returning remnant was building as compared to the tempe that Solomon built: NO COMPARISON.  Yet, God reminds them, I am with you.    It matters little what the temple looks like.  It only matters if God is in it.  Don't get caught comparing your gifts and abilities to others.  Or, don't envy the gifts and success of others.  The only thing that matters is that God is with you were you are at.  Joseph was in prison with God and would not be wise to envy his evil brothers just because they were at home with dad.  Joseph was where God wanted him.   One of my favorite prayers is by the great preacher A.W. Tozer.  Note his wise words:

“Dear Lord, I refuse henceforth to compete with any of Thy servants. They have congregations larger than mine. So be it. I rejoice in their success. They have greater gifts. Very well. That is not in their power nor in mine. I am humbly grateful for their greater gifts and my smaller ones. I only pray that I may use to Thy glory such modest gifts as I possess. I will not compare myself with any, nor try to build up my self-esteem by noting where I may excel one or another in Thy holy work. I herewith make a blanket disavowal of all intrinsic worth. I am but an unprofitable servant. I gladly go to the foot of the cross and own myself the least of Thy people. If I err in my self judgment and actually underestimate myself I do not want to know it. I purpose to pray for others and to rejoice in their prosperity as if it were my own. And indeed it is my own if it is Thine own, for what is Thine is mine, and while one plants and another waters it is Thou alone that giveth the increase.” (A.W. Tozer, The Price of Neglect)