Judging Ourselves Biblically Without Comparison

Scripture warns against comparison.

It's easy to feel good about ourselves if we compare ourselves to someone less godly. And it's easy to feel bad about ourselves if we compare ourselves to someone more godly. 

Sadly, we tend toward pride, not humility, and Paul addresses this in 2 Corinthians 10:12: "When [people] measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

So how should we judge ourselves? How do we avoid comparison and self-righteousness?

Galatians 6:4 answers this question:

"Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else." 

We humbly admit our weaknesses and sins, seeking God's help. We thank God for our skills and strengths without bragging. And we judge ourselves as God judges us: by our faithfulness to His purposes for our lives. 

At the end of our lives, we want to be able to say what Paul said: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).   

Faithfulness to God's purposes is what matters (1 Corinthians 4:2-4; Luke 12:35-48). Are you being faithful to God's specific plans for your life (Ephesians 2:10)?

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I encourage you to check out today's Bite Size Bible Study for more on this important subject.

And the following 1-minute devotion can provide additional encouragement.

 

Why We Are Clay Jars: This 1-minute devotion explains why we are like "clay jars" and offers five ways we display the "treasure within us."

 

"Dead" People Have New Purposes: One aspect of dying to ourselves is the idea of our selfish life purposes. This 1-minute devotion explores what this means by unpacking three wonderful promises. 

"Works" Is Not a Dirty Word: There is a huge misunderstanding about the way "works" relate to genuine faith. This 1-minute devotion offers multiple Bible verses to set things straight.

Bible Love Notes