Life does not always turn out the way we planned it. Do you know anyone who would not like to change something about themselves or their circumstances? Self – (and social) evaluation is when people compare themselves to others as sort of a marker of how well they are doing. Most usually compare and contrast things like intellectual ability, socioeconomic status, body types, facial features, and hair. People may have multiple reference groups, and on occasions their demands may conflict. Sometimes it is not a realistic appraisal because of one’s rank. Individuals may not always compare themselves with someone who is similar in order to enhance their status, self-esteem, and satisfaction. As when they compare someone with a person who is truly on their levels, they are more likely to experience status depreciation. However, in some cases, people are motivated to make comparisons unfavorable to themselves, selecting as a point of reference others who are better, or better off. These are people we tend to be drawn to, inspired by, and even strengthened by their examples. Such comparisons, and the resulting assessment can act as a lever for change (of job, for example) or lead to demands for change (for example, in pay).  #RandolphHarris 1 of 6

Because of the emphasis on statuses and roles, sociologist have explicitly recognized the fact that individuals may resemble others with respect to certain characteristics and qualities, but differ from them with respect to others. Under these circumstances, one wants to know which of several possible bases of comparison is selected as crucial by an individual. In order to evaluate the correctness of one’s political opinions, for example, will one choose for comparison someone close in opinions but dissimilar, in say, educational and occupational status, or will one rather choose someone close in occupational and educational status but dissimilar in opinion? Even more to the point, in most naturally occurring situations, similarity with respect to one or more statuses may be used as a clue to probable similarity in opinion, attitude, ability, or values. This reminds us of who we really are and why we do the things we do. When self-esteem is threatened, people try to satisfy the motive of self-enhancement rather than that of (accurate) self-evaluation. It is more important to take a close look at ourselves, home, family, and people enrichment and find ways to build spiritual strength, develop personal skills, strengthen home and family, and provide gospel services. #RandolphHarris 2 of 6

By enriching our spirituality, first in our lives, and focusing on being righteous and helping others, we will become less preoccupied with our problems and more dependent on God. Nevertheless, it remains true that even in the form of social comparison, sometimes people compare themselves to others for such processes as interpersonal attraction and affiliation with groups for social process. Because comparisons are generally made along a single dimension, which is implicitly assumed to be under the individual’s control, issues of equity, justice, or relative deprivation do not ordinarily arise. Unity of purpose, thought, and feeling are exalting qualities. When we can put aside our differences and value each others’ strengths, great things happen. Do not be limited in your views with regard to your neighbor’s virtue. We must enlarge our souls towards each other. Such generosity of spirit invites greater unity. As the kingdom of God rolls forth, we must unite our efforts in saving souls. No matter our circumstances, who of us can afford to waste our life in front of the mirrors of self-pity and discouragement? We all need to examine ourselves from time to time. We all need to repent, to recognize weaknesses, and more fully become Godlike. #RandolphHarris 3 of 6

Judgments of consonance and dissonance are likely to have implications for self-esteem as well. We may have to sell our looking glass in order to cross the plains of pain, sorrow, and discouragement. And as we do, we will discover God-given strengths that we may not have otherwise known. The fact of earning less than someone else does not necessarily have negative implications of the discrepancy is congruent with differences in training or experience (or, perhaps, in needs). There are sometimes lower correlations between self-esteem and social status among people of different ages. The social psychological consequences of conditions like Spina bifida might weigh much more heavily on younger people than an older patient, since the social environment of the latter group generally includes many more people whose health and activity have declined. It is hard for a young person who looks healthy to explain why they cannot do certain activities or why they may have to schedule times to go to the bathroom. It might also be hard for a young person to explain why they have more health issues and need more types of treatments, compared with someone their age. Whereas, most of us know the elderly are typically delicate. #RandolphHarris 4 of 6

One of the greatest problems facing many people is Narcissistic Entitlement Syndrome. Individuals who are afflicted believe they should have whatever they want regardless of the feelings of others, and continually inflate themselves while being condescending towards others. They are generally preoccupied with fantasies of limitless brilliance, power, and success. Advancement and achievement are extremely important to them and they envision the environment around them as one where they should be the center of all others’. It is not uncommon that they have an exaggerated sense of self-importance that is not commensurate with their actual level of achievement and they expect to be recognized as superior to others without a corresponding level of achievement. With feelings of entitlement, the absence of personal responsibility for not having a good or service is usually met with feelings of dissatisfaction aroused and will take the form of anger towards others, rather than being directed toward the self. The examination of a large number of studies, both in the laboratory and the field, indicates that for the most part the postulated components, examined one at a time, are related in the predicted direction to expression of anger. #RandolphHarris 5 of 6

With all my heart, I know that God can make weak things become strong, and each of us can mirror the Savior by the way we choose to live in our lives. We should be grateful in our lives to have the truth and knowledge of God, and not to personally know someone else’s struggles, that we do not have to experience what they are going through, but can be a source of encouragement and strength for them. Justice depends on expectations, and expectations in the long run on actualities. What is, is always becoming what ought to be. God, provide us with strength, energy, and motivation. Thank you, God, for being the joy of our lives and the heart of our souls. Thank you for healing our minds, bodies, and souls. Thank you for allowing us to endure the pressures of life and giving us the courage to press on. Please help your children build their faith, and find more strength in a safe, secret place of yours. God directs people to ponder his words and pray for understanding—he heals the sick. May you all have the strength and knowledge of five hundred souls. The Lord has made bare his holy arms in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the Earth shall see the salvation of God.  #RandolphHarris 6 of 6