SEARCHLIGHT
Do you want to live a competent life or a life filled with comparisons?
SCRIPTURE
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers…” 2 Corinthians 3:5,6 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
If you want to have a bad day, just compare yourself to someone else. If you want to think that what you do has little significance, just compare yourself to a nurse or teacher. If you want to feel insecure about your future, just compare yourself to someone with more skills or education. If you want to be self-conscious about your weight, just marvel at all the thin people you pass. If you want to become incompetent, just compare yourself to other people.
Comparison is the great temptation. Paul pointed this out as seen in today’s Scripture focus. He did not want to compare himself to or classify himself with other people. It was a deep dark hole he did not want to fall into. Do you fall into this hole?
Most certainly it does not take much to cause you to compare your situations to others. It is so easy to fall into the comparison hole. Easily you can say to yourself: Look at their house. He has a far better job than I do…I don’t think they have ever had a serious trouble…Why does she get the promotion and not me?... How do they get to do so much? Etc.
The moment you compare yourself to other people, you are opening the door to problems that can impact your attitude, mental health, and disposition. You begin to question your value, significance, and future.
Christians are not exempt from comparing themselves to others. After the resurrection, Jesus told Peter about his future. Peter was going to die because he was choosing to follow Jesus Christ. (John 21:19). A moment later, Peter glanced at John and asked Jesus about John’s future. [John 27:21]. Obviously, Peter wanted to know if John had a similar future.
You need to avoid falling into the comparison hole. This temptation is ever so great for Christian ministers. Pastors of small churches often compare themselves to pastors of large churches. Those who are involved in serving can easily compare themselves to other people who also give their energy and time. Often, it seems like the other serving people have it far easier than what they are experiencing. Believers can succumb to asking why they are not blessed the way others are blessed. Have you fallen into the comparison trap?
Comparison is the great killer. Why? Because comparison leads to competition. The moment you compare yourself to someone else, you create a competition in your mind. You begin competing with someone who has something you want. Probably your “competitors” will not even know what you are doing. Your aim is getting what they have rather than what God wants to give you. Here is the truth, the moment you create this competition, you begin hurting yourself. You create inner personal turmoil and misery. This competition creates within you a spirit of envy, jealousy, or strife. You can also begin to doubt your capabilities. The moment you compare and compete, you are missing the point. You are forgetting that God has a purpose and plan for your life, that is divinely unique. You are overlooking that God is your Master Designer.
Jesus Christ had 2 different plans for Peter and John. Both men decided to follow Jesus. Their journeys became very different. Peter ended up being crucified upside down. John ended up being abandoned on an island. Both lives greatly impacted the world. How Jesus treated one did not mean that was the way Jesus would treat the other. One was not blessed more than the other.
Comparison leads to questioning your competence. A Christian’s competence comes from God. Paul testifies: “We can say these things because of our faith in God through Christ. We know we are not able in ourselves to do any of this work. God makes us able to do these things. [2 Corinthians 3:4,5 NLV] It is God who calls…equips…directs…and perfects. The Holy Spirit injects power into you to do great things. Comparison robs you of your Godly competence.
What causes you to feel competent? Where do you get confidence? How do you know that you are capable? Is it peers or family? Maybe it is applause, honor, acknowledgment, or accolades from people. Perhaps you have a great deal of self-confidence. However, your best source of confidence comes from the greatest Giver of competence. Paul testifies “Such confidence we have through Christ before God.” [2 Corinthians 3:4 NIV]
God is your best confidence builder, because He is your best competent giver. He can make you far more competent than fame, prestige, or your own self-confidence. God wants to bless you with His strength and the ability to do anything you need to do. Paul testified, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” [Philippians 4:13 NLT] The Bible declares “But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” [2 Thessalonians 3:3] God will greatly bless you with all the equipping, endurance and encouragement you need in order to be competent at whatever you do. [Romans 15:4,5]
SOMETHING TO DO
Have you fallen into the deep hole of comparison? Are you running low on competence in your emotional tank? Do what the Bible instructs. Galatians 6:4 states “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” Do not compare. Stop comparing right now! God has a wonderful plan for you. Get out of the hole. Test your own actions. Evaluate what you are doing but do not compare yourself with someone else. Stand firm on God’s promise in Philippians 1:6 which states “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, fill me with Your confidence and strength so that I will know I am competent to do whatever is required of me. I would ask you, Holy Spirit, to keep me from falling into the deep, dark hole of comparison. You give me life, strength, and hope. Thank you. AMEN!