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 often 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… but time and chance happeneth to them all.”

This tells us that life is not determined by effort alone. Timing, circumstance, and God’s grace all play vital roles. What appears “unserious” to one person may simply be another’s season of preparation.

Thinking yourself superior because of perceived discipline or sacrifice only feeds the 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 competition of who suffers more, sacrifices more, or works harder. It is about walking faithfully in your calling while respecting the pace of others.

True seriousness is not about harsh living or denying yourself joy. It is about finding what brings you peace and fulfilment without harming others.

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

In simple terms, live responsibly and without guilt. Jesus Himself taught that the greatest commandment is to love your neighbour as yourself.

One friend may live modestly, while another enjoys fashion and comfort. Neither is less serious than the other, as long as their choices do not harm themselves or others.

Do not bruise another’s dignity

One of the quickest ways to wound people is by acting superior—suggesting 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. The loud prayer is not necessarily more serious—God hears both. Looking down on the quiet one only bruises dignity.

Jesus reinforced this truth in the parable of the labourers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16). Some workers laboured from morning, others joined later, yet all received the same wage. This shows that reward is not always proportional to effort—it is rooted in grace.

In family life, one sibling may marry early while another builds a career first. Neither is ahead; they are simply on different paths.

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

As Paul cautions 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 wrong to see 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 more capable simply because of outward success or status.

Over time, this mindset develops into an inferiority complex, leading to poor decision-making, limited self-expression, and constrained personal growth.

When you continually measure your worth against others, you begin to doubt yourself. Hesitation, self-doubt, and an unhealthy need for validation take root. You pass up opportunities, believing 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 value and respect 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 naturally 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 are meant to stand above others. It is a shared space where everyone is learning, failing, growing, and evolving differently.

Do not place yourself below or above anyone. Take yourself seriously—not by comparison or competition, 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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