II Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves among themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Don’t Compare
Everything changes when you walk into a group of people. When you are surrounded by other people, something is introduced that would not be there otherwise. That thing is comparison. We compare our abilities, opportunities, and so on with those of another. That can be dangerous. Now, seeing how other people are able to serve God and what they do can be stimulating, challenging, helpful, and edifying, and that is exactly what it is supposed to be. But, there is a great danger in comparing ourselves among ourselves in order to validate ourselves.
In II Corinthians 10:12 Paul says, “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” This is a nice, diplomatic way of saying that they are foolish. He goes on to say in verse 13, “But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.”
C. S. Lewis has said, “Pride takes no pleasure from having something, only from having more of it than the next person.” So, if you are a preacher, it is easy to look at another preacher and say, “Ah, I’m smarter than he is.” Or to look at someone else and say, “Boy, I wish I had the money or the ability they have.” Regardless of where God has placed you or what you do, it is easy to either be proud on one hand or jealous on the other. Really, boasting and jealousy are flip sides of the same coin, a focus on self and a matter of pride.
Remember this statement: God judges you in reference to your stewardship and not in reference to another steward. God does not applaud you because you are gifted. He is the One that gifts you. God will bless you because you are faithful with what He has given you. II Corinthians 10:17-18 say, “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”