Do Not Think Yourself More or Less Serious in Life Than Anybody

The great people of Ga would say “Joo o Joo”—literally meaning “dance your dance.”

In today’s fast-paced world, it is common to meet people who think and act as though their way of living is the only valid one. They measure seriousness by their own sacrifices, routines, or what they term achievements—and sometimes dismiss others who choose a different path.

But life is not about proving who is more serious. It is about balance: following your individual principles while respecting the universal principles that bind us all together.

Life is both individual and universal

Every human being is on a unique journey. We have different callings, strengths, and seasons. For some, success comes early; for others, it comes later. Neither is more valid than the other.

The Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 9:11:
“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”

This means life is not determined by effort alone. Timing, circumstances, and God’s grace all play a vital role. What looks “unserious” to you may be someone else’s season of preparation.

Comfort without harm

True seriousness is not about harsh living or denying yourself joy. It is about finding what brings you peace and fulfilment while ensuring it does not harm others.

Paul writes in Romans 14:22:
“Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.”

In other words, live responsibly and without guilt. Jesus Himself said the greatest commandment is to “love your neighbour as yourself.”

A friend may enjoy dressing simply, while another spends on fashion. Neither is less serious than the other—so long as their choices do not harm themselves or others.

Do not bruise another’s ego

One of the quickest ways to wound people is by acting superior—implying that your way of life is more disciplined, spiritual, or important than theirs.

Scripture warns us in Philippians 2:3:
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

In church, some pray loudly and for long hours, while others pray quietly. Loud prayer is not necessarily more serious. God hears both. Looking down on the quiet one bruises their ego and reveals a lack of humility.

Even Jesus, though Lord of all, humbled Himself to serve. That is the highest model of seriousness—humility, not pride.

A balanced outlook

Life is not a contest of who suffers more, sacrifices more, or works harder. It is about walking faithfully in your calling while respecting the pace of others.

Jesus emphasised this in the parable of the labourers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16). Some workers started early in the morning, others joined later in the day, yet all received the same wage. This shows that reward is not always about effort or hours—it is about God’s grace.

In family life, one sibling may marry young, while another chooses to build a career first. Neither is ahead of the other; they are simply on different paths.

Never think you are more serious in life than anybody. Pride disguised as discipline only blinds us. Life is a mixture of personal choices and universal principles. Live responsibly, enjoy what makes you comfortable without harming others, and above all, never bruise another’s dignity.

As Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:26:
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

On the flip side: low self-esteem

Just as it is improper to think of yourself as more serious or important than others, it is equally dangerous to believe that others are more serious in life than you are.

Many people live with this belief unconsciously, constantly placing others on a higher pedestal. They assume someone else is more deserving, more purposeful, or better suited simply because of status or outward appearance.

This mindset gradually develops into an inferiority complex, producing poor decision-making, disempowered self-expression, and constrained personal growth.

When you constantly measure your worth against others, hesitation, self-doubt, and an unhealthy need for validation take root. Opportunities are missed because you believe others are better positioned or more qualified—even when you are capable.

Gradually, you settle for “low-hanging fruits” when you could achieve much more.

A reality often ignored is that people respond to the respect and value you place on yourself. Across all social interactions, people take cues from how you present yourself.

When you approach life with confidence and self-respect, others recognise your worth. When you undervalue yourself, others may do the same—not always intentionally, but because you may have unconsciously created that ground.

This does not promote arrogance or belittling others. Healthy self-esteem is about recognising your value without diminishing someone else’s.

Conclusion

Life is not a hierarchy where some people are meant to stand above others. It is a shared space where everyone is learning, failing, growing, and evolving in different ways.

Do not place yourself below or above anyone. Take yourself seriously—not by comparing or competing, but by believing that your presence, effort, and perspective matter.

Remember: people will always meet you at the level you choose to stand.

I, Onukpa, always see myself as God’s work in progress.

Email: jerryt353@gmail.com

By Jerry Mac-Eben Thompson (Onukpa)

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