I would have to be honest and say that this week’s Sunday Stirring post has been the toughest so far. Originally I thought that after a 2 week break I’d have plenty to say, but the reality is that for me, vacations breed apathy. We spent 9 days with Jeremy at a fishing tournament, then took the rest of last week off for our spring/winter break with school. I could pat myself on the back in regards to all the household tasks I accomplished, but at the same time, I got out of my routine. And one of those routines was reguarly scheduled time with the Lord.
With that said, I haven’t had an overwhelming nudge in any particular direction lately. However, one thing has popped up on more than one occasion: Comparisons.
Last month my neighbor wrote an excellent article on the dangers of comparison in marriage. Last fall I read “Serve God Save the Planet” and the author explained why we should never compare our lifestyle with the lifestyles of others. And most recently, popular Christian writer Francis Chan reminded me that my Walk with the Lord should never be compared to anything other than the Word of God.
I believe this is a trap we all fall in from time to time, whether it be comparing spouses, children, homes, cars, friends, etc. The problem is that no good ever comes from it. I mean, think about it. There is always a family that is worse off than yours. If you compare yourselves to them, you’ll always come out on top. And is that what you want? To be better than them? Or worse yet, does your pride elevate because of it? Or maybe you become content with where you are? Contentment with where we are is a serious hindrance to our spiritual growth.
The flipside to this is comparing yourself to people who seem to have it all. (Notice I said “seem to”.) How does that make you feel? Now your husband is no longer good enough. Your kids, your clothes, your income…isn’t good enough. It’s a recipe for bitterness and resentment.
I found a passage in 2 Corinthians 10:12-13 where Paul writes “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. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you.”
My study bible explains this passage by saying that Paul criticized the false teachers who were trying to prove their goodness by comparing themselves with others rather than with God’s standards. When we compare ourselves with others, we may feel pride because we think we’re better. But when we measure ourselves against God’s standards, it becomes obvious that we have no basis for pride.
The only One that should be setting the standards in our life is the Lord our God. Do not let man and the things of this world set the bar for your life. We all come from different backgrounds and have different paths to take. Instead of trying to out-do one another, let’s pray for each other. Rejoice in our friends achievements and share in the burdens of their sorrows. And if you ever have the desire to compare yourself to someone else, ….maybe try Jesus.
Just a thought…
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So what have been your thoughts these past couple of weeks. Please feel free to leave a comment or blog about it and link back here.
2 Comments
You know I needed this. It is so hard not to compare your parenting styles or your children with other’s. This past week was especially difficult for me. Thanks for sharing this. It’s going to be a better week :)
Great entry! Thank you! :-)