In
past years I have written about the folly of making comparisons, especially
related to our Christian ministries in sport. Some of us don’t deal with the
temptation to compare while others of us,
certainly I, are constantly driven by our competitive natures to think this
way. Oftentimes we do it without conscious thought.
I’d like to share some
scriptures that also warn about this tendency to foolishly make comparisons. This
is not peculiar to our time. We can see the apostles dealing with it.
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. 2 Corinthians 10:12
The apostle Paul is aware of
those among his peers who make some foolish comparisons. He refuses to play
their game. He will not claim a title, a rank, or allow comparison of himself
with these others. Further, he says that when the comparisons are made, the
ones so doing are without understanding. Let’s not be among them.
Some of us have teammates we
envy for various reasons. We may be envious of their talents, abilities, their
positions, their relationships, or any number of things. Some of us can become
envious of the calling another has received from our Lord, its importance or
profile, as compared to our more humble callings. Jesus’ disciple Peter felt
this way toward John.
Peter,
turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who
also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one
who betrays You?” So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this
man?” Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to
you? You follow Me!” John 21:20-22
Jesus does this so well by
asking Peter, “…what is that to you? You follow me” As I have found myself
wondering about the nature of my calling and area of service vs. the higher
profile nature of my colleague’s service, I have occasionally heard a voice in
my ear saying, “What is that to you? You follow Me.” This gentle rebuke never
fails to restore my perspective and to prompt repentance and confession.
Another form of comparison that ensnares some of us it comparisons of our
friends, our networks, or other second-hand associations. This happens when people
in organizations compare how they came to that group. It’s almost like a set of coaches comparing
the “coaching tree” from which they have come. Somehow we think we have greater
organizational status depending upon the people with whom we are associated.
The apostles also deal with this behavior.
So
then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or
Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to
come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to
God. 1 Corinthians 3:21-23
The apostle clarifies the
issue of belonging for all concerned. Ultimately we are God’s. His alone. Our
lesser associations are of little consequence. Let’s stop appealing to them for
status.
If we are wise, we will
properly grasp the scope of our service, thank God for it, appreciate its value,
and boast only in God’s grace given to fulfill it. To commend ourselves for
something that is God’s work seems rather foolish.
But
we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere
which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. But he
who boasts is to boast in the Lord. For it is not he who commends himself that
is approved, but he whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:13, 17-18
The apostle knows it is God’s
grace, love, and power that has enabled him to reach, even as far as Corinth.
He knows that the only warranted boasting is reserved for The Lord Himself. He
will not commend himself, nor will he acknowledge those who commend themselves.
He will trust the Lord for His commendation. As should we all.
Please, friends and colleagues, beware the
pernicious folly of comparison. It will diminish your relationships and sully
your spirit. Be 100% who the Lord made you to be and find the joy that comes with
that fulfillment of purpose.
