Christian Living

COMPARING OUR SELF WITH OTHERS

by Vern Yamane
04/01/19
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COMPARING OUR SELF WITH OTHERS

When We Compare Our Behavior with the Others around Us we are like the Pharisee

          10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  12 I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess. 

          13 And The Publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

 We should not entertain any expectations or entitlements for our service.  It is a privilege to serve.  Luke 17:7-10 (KJV).   

          7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow(think)  not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We Are Unprofitable Servants: We Have Done That Which Was Our Duty To Do.

Martha Had That Same Problem of comparison.  Luke 10:38-42 (KJV)

           She Compared herself with Mary and forgot her assignment.  She THOUGHT that  her assignment and what she was doing as more useful then what Mary was doing.   She compared herself(Her personality, gifts and talents,  I think was a doer) with Mary .  

          38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.  39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.  40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. 

Peter Compared And Forgot His Assignment.  John 21:15-20 (KJV)

               I think that when we think too much of what we are doing we tend to fall into the habit of comparing ourselves with others.  We forget our assignment.  How many times did Jesus say to Peter, ”Feed my Sheep?”  Why was he concerned about what John was doing?  Jealousy, Envy, Curiosity?    I knew a lady who would always say “but what about so and so.  I asked her why she always said that.  She replied because I want to know how I am doing compared to so and so”   

        15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed My Lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed My Sheep.  17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed My Sheep.  18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow Me.

Peter Turned Around And Looked At John. John 21:20-23 (KJV)

        How many times did Jesus say in so many words “What business is that to you?”  I would say   MYOB vern.  You are not doing what you are supposed to be. Beside you don’t know the whole situation

        20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, What Is That To Thee? Follow Thou Me.  23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, What Is That To Thee?