Friday 26th May
Read 2 Corinthians 10:12
“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.” (NIVUK)
Paul is unwilling to compare himself with those leading the Corinthian church astray. He considers comparisons amongst Christian leaders to be an enterprise fraught with danger and stupidity (cf 1 Corinthians 1:10-17). But, because of the personal nature of the attacks on his authority and credentials, he is forced to do precisely that. Before he does that though he wants to point out a very simple truth to the Corinthian church, yet one that is quite hard to grasp!
The inherent weakness in making comparisons with others is the completely subjective nature of the activity. Depending on who you compare yourself with you will either come up looking good (leading to pride) or come up looking bad (leading to self-pity). Paul points out the foolishness of this by drawing the believers’ attention to their favoured activity of ‘comparing themselves with themselves’.
But there is an objective standard by which we can compare ourselves. We will see that Paul frequently compares people to that standard. That standard is the life of Jesus and the gospel itself. Even a cursory reading of his passionate letters to the churches shows that moral improvement, measured against the gospel itself, is essential – and he is perfectly willing to point out where believers fall down!
The foolishness of comparing yourself with others though is not only is bad for your mental health but betrays a misunderstanding of the gospel. The Judge has been judged for your sins – the only sensible response to that amazing grace is thankfulness – not ‘one-up-man-ship’ with those around you in exactly the same position.
