“We do not have the audacity to put ourselves in the same class or compare ourselves with some who [supply testimonials to] commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they lack wisdom and behave like fools.”
2 Corinthians 10:12 AMP
We learn early on in our development that not all people have the same abilities, attributes, talents, strengths, weaknesses, and so on. Sadly—because of the hole in our soul made by sin—we quickly learn to begin to assess value by the use of comparisons: “I’m faster than this one;” “I’m taller than this one;” “My book bag isn’t as good as that one’s book bag.”
Sadly, the comparisons don’t stop when we are no longer children. As adults, we still tend to compare our appearance, our place in society, our job, our income, and so on, with the “Joneses.”
Now, some people tend to look at others in a critical way, generally putting themselves up in estimation by comparison.
Some look at others in an envious way, becoming bitter and self-deprecating because of perceived shortcomings by comparison.
Use of comparisons in this way divides people and displeases God.
In our opening scripture we hear Paul reminding the church at Corinth that comparing ourselves with others leads to foolishness.
The church at Galatia received a similar caution from Paul regarding their tendency to look at themselves through the prism of comparisons with others.
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”
Galatians 6:4-5 NLT
Remember, the Lord is a very personal God. He meets everyone at the point of their God-given abilities and dispenses purpose and direction accordingly. In fact, that cause/effect relationship is probably the other way around: We are outfitted by God with what we need to fulfill His purpose for us, not what someone else is called and designed to do.
Make no mistake, in the final analysis, we will give an account to the Lord for what we did with what was given to us, not what
anybody else did with what they were given, much less, being judged in comparison to others
Let’s ask the Lord to forgive us for comparing ourselves to others. The fact is, whether the end result of those comparisons is self-condemnation or self-exaltation, it is wrong.
Rather, let us ask the Lord to help us keep our eyes on Jesus, the only One to whom we should look for comparison.
Indeed, a miracle is wrought by looking at Jesus, and staying focused on Him; as we do so, He will transform us into His very image. And there is nothing greater we could desire.
Give up the comparisons; look at Jesus.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
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