Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 23, 2014
When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” John 21:21-22
No one wins when comparison is the criteria for being valued. If people are the plumb line for a sense of success—then there are always those who are smarter, prettier, and richer. An unrealistic appraisal of others feeds a feeling of failure. On the other hand, pride puffs up with a subtle notion of superiority when it looks to others as a standard for living. Jesus smiles and says, “What is that to you?” Comparison is not a win for anyone.
Yes, we can be inspired and instructed by a life that seeks to emulate the Lord, but we are not to idolize any individual. Of course, we are wise to learn from the mistakes of others, but not with a secret delight that believes we look better when the unfortunate look bad. Our discontent is compounded under the demanding nature of comparison. We cannot enjoy what we have for the allure of what we don’t have. Comparison kills contentment. It is a crazy cycle!
“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” (2 Corinthians 10:12).
Related Readings: Proverbs 8:11; Ecclesiastes 4:5-6; Romans 12:15; James 3:14-16
Taken from the August 23rd reading in our new book, The Way of Wisdom: A Journey Towards Spiritual Growth, coming October 1st! Pre-order your copy today.
Comments are closed.
Someone once shared this quote with me:
“Comparison is a killer. The flip side of comparison is gratitude.”
I have often gone back to the quote when I catch myself comparing myself with someone else.
Dear Diane~
Thank you for reaching our to us after reading the Wisdom Hunter’s devotional, Comparison’s Crazy Cycle”. And I loved the quote “Comparison is a killer. The flip side of comparison is gratitude”. So true! Thank you for sharing that.
We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter and we look forward to hearing from you again. Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
P.S. Just thought of this: How can we dare to compare ourselves to others when WE ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP??? Goodness.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10