Comparison - What's Important

We're back to comparison this week for a very good reason.  It's a complex issue and there is a lot to discuss.  Two weeks ago we discussed whether comparison was Inspiration or Pitfall.  Last week we asked the question, Is Comparison Always Bad?  This week I want to focus on what's important about it.  The why and how.

com·pare

kəmˈper/

verb

1. 1.

   estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between.

   
   

   "individual schools compared their facilities with those of others in the area"

   
   

   synonyms:

   contrast, juxtapose, collate, differentiate "we compared the data sets"

What do you think of when you hear the word "Comparison"?  Books and sermons encourage me to set aside comparison and be content, which sounds right.  Comparison was always presented to me as a bad thing because it meant you were comparing yourself negatively to someone else.  A simple definition of terms can help clear some things up but this week we are going to hone in on why it is important and the reminder that keeping our focus on God is vital.  How we deal with comparison is important because trying to stop doing it altogether isn't really possible and leads to frustration, or worse, ignoring the problem.  We can, however, use comparison properly and safely.  

If we are ultimately trying to imitate Christ, to be more like Him, there are some steps we need to take.  

1. Observe the provided example
2. Assess your current starting point
3. Make note of areas where you are not meeting the standard, ie compare yourself to the provided example
4. Begin educating yourself on how to improve
5. Practice

The list is a little tongue in cheek, especially considering that this sounds like a business assignment, not a life posture.  But think about it.  If you want to learn how to do something, or do it better, what do you do?  You look for an example to follow.  I think it's important to remember that self assessment is part of working out our faith just as much as it is in learning piano or how to shave a cat.  

Philippians 2:12 English Standard Version (ESV)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

More than that, self assessment requires that we know the standard of our faith.  If we are to be imitators of Christ then it is vital that we know Him.  Deeply, intimately know Him.  
Know the sound of His voice.

John 10:27 English Standard Version (ESV)

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Know the way that He moves.

Matthew 20:26-28 English Standard Version (ESV)

26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,[a] 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,[b] 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Know where He moves.

Matthew 16:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

And so much more...

It is possible to look at fellow believers, rejoice in their differences, and ask ourselves where we can follow their good example.  It is vital for us to look at what God has asked us to do and compare our lives to the life He describes.  There is a difference between an honest assessment and envious discontent. 

Here is what's important to remember.  

Making yourself feel one way or the other about yourself will always be the wrong choice.  If you look at someones life and breath a sigh of relief because at least you're not as bad as them, that's not good. If you look at someone's life and deflate in defeat because how could they possibly have their life together and you don't, that's not good.  Comparison always becomes a negative when we use it to feel falsely about ourselves.  Comparison in the form of self assessment can sometimes feel convicting or uncomfortable but it should be honest and based on God's truth.  We know the negatives and they can be quite destructive to both relationships and health.  It is one of the many cages we put ourselves in without noticing because we think the comparison "means" something.  We assign meaning which we think affects our value in the eyes of the world, ourselves and God.  It doesn't.  Our value in God's eyes is set.  How freeing it is to to step outside of our emotional responses to what we think the comparison means and see it for the opportunity it is.  The opportunity for conviction.  The opportunity to learn and grow.

We look to those more experienced to teach us how to improve but only when we look to be teachable.  When we allow ourselves to be teachable, to see areas of comparison and conviction as learning opportunities, we can stand in awe of what the Lord will do.  


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