The Danger in Comparing

​Meditation
2 Corinthians 10:12—For we don’t dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding.
 
Three definitions for the word compare are worth noting.  One is to appear in a similar standing, a second is to differ in quality or specified accomplishment and the third is to vie or rival.[1]   In the tenth chapter of his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul notes that the act of comparison is unwise when believers do so with other believers.

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​Comparing ourselves with others can quickly turn into pride. If your brother appears to have had a greater year of bearing fruit and experiencing God’s favor, don’t feel discouraged because your year seemed less impactful. If you exceeded your sister in every category and received the praise of people, don’t revel!  We must understand that the very act of comparison reveals a significant self-focus.  We become so concerned about how we did versus others that we immediately have gone off track.

Paul says if one is to have pride it should be in the Lord. “So the one who boasts must boast in the Lord. For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends”(10:17,18).   Stop dwelling on what others think of you or on what they have done—focus on being like Jesus and earning His approval.  Bob Goff wisely notes, “We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose.”  Let our purpose be to receive God’s blessing.

There is great maturity in being able to let go of competing, of incessantly striving to matter.  Your value is in you!  God loves you for who you are.  You never have to commend yourself to be important—in fact, such action is hollow and does not endure.  Be encouraged by gaining God’s commendation for a race well run according to His eyes!  
 
Inspiration
Comparison is the thief of joy.—Theodore Roosevelt
 
©2018 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)

[1]https://www.dictionary.com