The Measuring Rod
Posted by Tim on March 6, 2008
Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load (Gal 6:4-5 NIV)
This verse really jumped out at me this morning. So many times I spend my time comparing and measuring myself against others. I spend so much time trying to see if I am better than someone else at this or that instead of just judging if I am doing the best I can. What good is it to be better than someone else at something but not the best at it that I can be? We do this in physical training. When I ran I always timed myself and compared to my fastest time. When I lifted weights, I recorded everything to compare to my “max” or personal best in that lift. What good was it to lift more than a child if I wasn’t challenging myself to grow stronger? That is what it is like when I judge myself by comparing myself to others. That is a sure path to either pride and judgmentalism or jealousy and depression.
One way I need to apply this verse is in regards to those I think I am better than in certain areas. Many times I find myself judging people harshly because I do not struggle with what they struggle with. And then I give myself grace in the areas in which I do struggle. For example, I feel holy because I don’t smoke but excuse jealousy and laziness in myself. Paul says I should test my own actions. I know the filth and selfishness that dwells in me. I need to judge my holiness but how much of that I am turning over to You not by how long ago I got over what so and so is doing. Doing this simple thing will keep me humble.
The other way I need to apply this verse is in regards to those I think have it better than I do. Just yesterday I found myself struggling with jealousy over a young couple in ministry who are being blessed. I was jealous that I who have been in ministry for 20 years am struggling to pay bills while they who have been at it for just a few years have lots of cool toys (this refers to some of the ugliness mentioned above). You are telling me to judge or test myself against myself. You have taken care of me every step of the way and I need to focus on that not on comparing myself to others.
Lord, please help me today to only measure myself against myself and against You. This will drive me to Your grace and strength. I can’t do this without Your power.
