“Stop Comparing! You Are Good Enough,” For the Strength of Youth, Jan. 2024.
Come, Follow Me
Stop Comparing! You Are Enough
Here are four things we learn from one of Nephi’s older brothers.
Illustrations by Corey Egbert
There’s that one student in class who always knows the right answer. The kid on the basketball team who always outshoots you. The person that everyone wants to be friends with. In the world of comparisons, it seems like there’s always someone better.
Comparisons can be especially hard when it comes to living the gospel. You might think that others are more righteous, have a stronger testimony, or feel the Spirit more clearly than you do. But comparing yourself like this is not helpful.
From the Book of Mormon, you probably know that Nephi was a great leader and prophet. But how much do you know about Nephi’s faithful older brother, Sam? He wasn’t a leader or prophet like Nephi, but he didn’t need to be just like Nephi to be good enough.
1. Sam Was Believing
Nephi prayed and got an answer for himself that the Lord had commanded their family to depart into the wilderness. And Sam “believed in [Nephi’s] words” (see 1 Nephi 2:16–17). Sam may not have had a perfect testimony. He might have had questions. But he chose to believe in the words of his brother, and then he acted on his beliefs. Don’t compare your faith or testimony to other people’s. As you act in faith like Sam did, your testimony of the Savior will grow little by little. (See also Doctrine and Covenants 46:13–14; Alma 32.)
2. Sam Was Humble
Laman and Lemuel were not happy that their younger brother, Nephi, was becoming a leader over them. But Sam, who was Nephi’s older brother as well, must have been humble. He listened to Nephi and followed his advice (see 2 Nephi 5:3–6). If others around you are asked to lead and you are not, be humble, and don’t compare. Support them, learn from them, and do your best to choose the right.
3. Sam Was Patient
It might seem like everyone around you is living a perfect life, but everyone goes through hard times. Sam was no exception. Laman and Lemuel turned against Sam, just as they turned against Nephi. They even hit Sam with a rod, like they hit Nephi! (See 1 Nephi 3:28; 1 Nephi 7:6.) But Sam patiently endured his trials. Going through hard times doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing something wrong. Don’t compare your trials to other people’s. Be patient, and trust in the Lord. He will help you through.
4. Sam Was Blessed
Sam’s father, Lehi, told Sam, “Thou shalt be blessed in all thy days” (2 Nephi 4:11). Sam may not have been a leader or prophet, but he still faithfully followed Jesus Christ, and he was blessed for it. With the Savior’s help, he was good enough. And you can be too.