17 Sep

Dare to Compare

posted by Lisa Huddleston

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 2 Cor. 10:12.

Last evening a rodeo evangelist spoke at my church. Yes, you read that right. A “rodeo evangelist.” Before he began, I wondered how I could relate to what he would have to say, but as I listened I was delighted by his passion for sharing the gospel in such a unique way. He loves his job! He is perfectly suited for it, and God is using him in awesome ways. So as I listened and smiled at his enthusiasm, I started to compare myself to him. Yes, it’s a bad habit born out of insecurity, and I usually am not encouraged by such comparisons as I tend to rank myself far below others. Such was the case last night, too. And, no, I do not want to join the rodeo circuit — I don’t think I could walk in those pointy boots, and hats really damage my curly hair. But, I do want to have a similar kind of impact in this world. Thankfully, I know that God does not expect me to be anyone other than who He has designed me to be. And when I returned to rational thought, I remembered that and got back to thinking about opportunities more suited to my design.

However, some people have the opposite problem. Instead of feeling insecure, they see themselves as being far above those around them. A clear example of this kind of person is found in Luke 18 in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee is thankful not to be like other men, as he points toward the poor, “sinful” tax collector. He prays “about himself” and misses the truth that God is not comparing us to each other at all. He is comparing us to Jesus Christ!

Whoa Nellie! (Maybe I am rodeo material?) If I can’t even measure up to other human beings, how can I ever hope to compare to Jesus? After all, He is perfect, and I am far from that! In my own strength, I can forget it. But in Christ’s strength, all things are possible. As Paul writes to the Corinthian church, “Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. … For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10). It is in Christ alone and covered by His blood that I can hope to measure up to the high standard He has set. That hope is sure, because it is His perfect righteousness that makes me acceptable to the Father. (Praise God!) “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5). Don’t compare yourself with the people around you anymore, but dare to compare yourself with the standard set by Christ. Do whatever God leads you to do — not what others are doing — and, as one translation puts it, “aim for perfection” (NIV, 2 Cor.13:11).

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me who I am. For I know You are working in me, enabling me both to will and to act for Your good purpose. (Phil. 2:13) Use me as You have planned and cause me to bring You glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Filed in: Purpose, Responding to God