COMPARING OURSELVES

Paul, an apostle, wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:12:
“For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.”

This comparison thing is a real trap. It is especially appealing to the insecure and the falsely secure in self-importance, position, privilege, affluence or influence. It reminds me of the ‘comparison’ Jesus made:

“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!
I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18)

The Lord’s comparison was with the spirit of religion and the spirit of a broken sinner. The religious spirit is the nastiest, meanest and most disgusting of all spirits.
Have mercy on me, Lord.

“I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Jesus