Comparisons

Comparisons

MY QUESTION for GOD

Is it okay to make comparisons?

A MOMENT with GOD

Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!

2 Corinthians 10:12

Now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:15-16

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.

Psalm 119:5-6

How do I measure up?” You have probably grappled with this question at one time or another. Satan tries to convince you to compare yourself to other people, to base your worth on how you measure up in appearance, possessions, accomplishments, or social status. But making comparisons is almost always destructive because it leads to sinful thoughts: If you think you’re better than someone else, it leads to pride and selfishness. If you think you’re not as good as someone else, it leads to jealousy and discouragement. Both results are unhealthy and leave you feeling either overconfident or inadequate. Worse yet, comparing yourself to others takes your focus off Jesus, whom you should be serving wholeheartedly.

A better method of determining your worth is comparing yourself to God’s standards. Against his holiness, we all fall short. But nothing can compare with the grace that makes us holy in his eyes, even though we don’t deserve it. In God’s eyes, every person is valued and loved. Maintaining a balance between humility over sin and exultation over God’s lavish grace is the best way to live and lead. God doesn’t compare you with others, so neither should you. Just enjoy the grace of the God who has no comparison.

DIVINE PROMISE

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