The dictionary has a definition for the word compare: to set people or things together to see the difference; to look at one thing or person and place it or them beside another thing or person to note what is similar and different. In our world we do this all the time.
The world may compare everything, but the church is not to compare ourselves to one another. When we compare ourself to another person we destroy the unity
of the spirit in the body of the church. Comparing ourself is wrong.
It is a common thing in the Christian community to compare ourselves with another church member to think we are more favored.
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10:12 – “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.”
The moment we begin to compare ourselves to others we are headed down the road of self-exaltation. Self-exaltation is where we put ourselves up and others down. Many of us today do this without letting the Holy Spirit have His way.
We neutralize the communion of the body called the church when we compare ourselves to other Christians. The Greek word Koinonia means “fellowship.”
Fellowship is destroyed when we compare ourselves. Fellowship is unity. Comparing ourselves causes disunity.
Many church leaders and members are competing over who has the biggest, and the most, and who has what. Pastors brag about what they are doing and how big their church is compared to the pastor across town. The deacons boast about their budgets and things they are accomplishing compared to the church down the street. The choir members are talking about their songs and how much better they are singing compared to someone else.
All these people don’t realize that they have their place in the body of Christ by grace alone. They are there only by His righteousness, not their own. They
should not compare themselves. Three Don’t are:
- Don’t Compare ourselves.
- Don’t Commend (brag about) ourselves.
- Don’t be Comparing ourselves.
Well, you have told us what not to do, now tell us what to do. The solution to keep unity is found in 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves, therefore under the
mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” To humble yourself is the answer. To humble yourself under the mighty hand of God is the solution.
The thing God is looking for church to do is humble themselves. Humble means to submit and go down abase to another. It means to be lowly to another. God is looking to see if we will deal with one another in a humble way.
When we do humble ourself we will have fellowship in the church. When we do not humble ourself, we sin.
Are you comparing yourself to some one else? Are you standing on someone just to prove how great you are? You need to consider that if you are standing on someone
then you probably are hurting them. Hurting others just to prove you are worth something is total selfishness.
That is why denying yourself is the best way the be humble before God. Comparing yourself is selfishness because it is seeking to prove you are better than others.
The “I can” and “I am” opening statements of sentences are a sign that comparing yourself to others is taking place.