“When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they lack wisdom and behave like fools.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
To paraphrase 2 Corinthians, those that compare themselves with others are unwise and foolish. That sounds a bit harsh, right? But it is the truth.
The Message Translation puts it more gently: “But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
The Passion Translation is somewhere down the middle. Gentle but still blunt: “They compare themselves to one another and make up their own standards to measure themselves by, and then they judge themselves by their own standards. What self-delusion!” 2 Corinthians 10:12
Researching how this verse is rendered in various Bible translations helps me understand what the Holy Spirit was trying to put across through Paul when he wrote his second letter to the Corinthians, specifically about comparing themselves to others.
In theory, I know it is not right. I’ve heard it said plenty of times that we each have our own race to run and the plans God has for us are both unique and tailor-made to each individual. So why do all these facts and sound Bible nuggets fly out the window as I scroll through Instagram, ogling a beautiful farmhouse complete with a milk cow, free range chickens and a baby splashing happily about in the deep kitchen sink that has large windows looking out the seemingly endless backyard garden.
Why do I start to feel less than when someone my age shares their groundbreaking achievement or envious when I see pictures from an extravagant luxurious vacation their whole family is on.
That is the comparison trap! Do not fall for it! I can hear my spirit scream. This trap is especially easier to fall into because of the social media age we are living in. Almost everyone is taking a photo for “the gram”. You have to remember that we always put our best foot forward on social media. Only the best and most flattering pictures, taken in the best lighting make the cut. And do not even get me started on filters! Do not believe everything you see! Because if you do, you may start to believe that everyone has flawless skin except you, when it’s most likely they are using a filter.
The Bible says you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. So, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
The knowing has to go beyond simply head knowledge until you are intimately acquainted with the facts and truth of who you are in Christ Jesus. Jesus says first we must believe in Him, then abide in His word, which means stay in it constantly reading and thinking about it day after day, then through His word and believing what it says, we will know the truth about God, about the world He created, about ourselves and we will be set free from anything that is contrary to God’s word.
Another sure way to avoid falling into the comparison trap is to find your meaning and sense of worth in the solid, immovable rock Jesus. The unchanging eternal God. Because trends come and go, nothing in this world is unchanging; jobs come and go, homes can be destroyed, even children grow up and leave the coop. The only stable thing to define our lives by has to be our salvation through Jesus. He alone is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
You can depend on Him. He is consistent. Not man to lie or son of man to turn back on his word. He will surely do everything g He says He will do. Where does He say all that He will do? In the Bible.
“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good and fulfill it? Numbers 23:19
It is easy to fall into a trap if you do not know it is there. In fact, the setter of the trap, our adversary the devil, is counting on that. But God in His divine wisdom has given us His Word to help us navigate the traps set before us. Your Word of Lord is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:106. With the light that comes from God’s word shining bright on our path, we can see the traps a mile away and avoid them.
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Read more of Rachel’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
