Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 10
2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Paul had been accused of walking according to the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:2). He pointed out to the Corinthians that he did not walk according to the flesh but he warred according to the Spirit. Not only that but he would not commend himself. He would compare himself with no other man. How we need to learn this lesson in our day! To compare yourself to others is not wise.
There are so many ways that people compare themselves among themselves. One is with possessions. They look at how many things they have compared to someone they deem to be successful. Another is with achievement and accomplishment. In the church, comparison is made between churches on the size of the congregations. Is a bigger congregation more yielded to God? Is a smaller congregation doing something wrong? Not necessarily. These are not wise comparisons. Instead of comparing our selves among ourselves, we should always look to Jesus.
Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
We need to grow up into Christ. We will stunt our spiritual growth if we compare ourselves with ourselves. We should desire to grow up ‘unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’. Paul said:
1 Corinthians 4:3-4 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
Man’s judgment of Paul meant very little to him. He wanted to be commended by Jesus Christ. He lived to please Jesus in all things and instructed the church to wait for the Lord instead of judging before the time.
Men love to give each other awards. There is a desire to be accepted by men and to compare ourselves to see who is the smartest, strongest, most successful, etc… But it is not wise to do this, especially in the church. Our worth is not determined by our performance. It is determined by our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our identity is now ‘in Christ’. He is infinitely worthy. Let’s follow him and stop worrying about what men think!
In Christ,
Rody
