This article is a reminder for each of us to focus upon our own, individual need for improvement rather than to look around at other people’s failings.
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (Mt 7:3)
The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. (Lk 18:11)
And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. (Joh 8:7-9)
As human beings, we have a tendency to look at other people and compare ourselves to others. Most of the time, we do that when we want to see ourselves as “not being so bad.” Other times, we look around at the circumstances of other peoples’ lives and we feel jealous. It is not good to compare ourselves to others; it is what the Bible would term as foolishness.
As the verses shown above demonstrate, we should never focus on other people. (2 Cor 10:12)
Also, there are a number of Scriptures instructing us to avoid comparing ourselves. (Exo 20:17; Mt 7:1-2; Joh 21:22)
Rather, we should focus upon Jesus Christ and yearn to follow in His footsteps. As we focus upon Christ, He will shower us with His love and encouragement. He will give us a purpose and a plan for our lives, as well as all of the grace and mercy that we will ever need to fulfill that plan. (Jer 29:11; 32:19; Pro 16:4; 19:21; 1 Cor 2:9)
Let us trust the Lord Jesus to transform us in His own way, in His own time. We are His workmanship, and He will see the work through to its completion. (Eph 2:10; Phil 1:6) Just trust Him and trust His plan for you! God bless you.
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