Have you ever wondered why in the world we try to measure ourselves against impossible standards? We try to get the best job, drive the nicest car, buy the biggest house, and purchase the latest fashions, but to what end? What are we trying to prove? And to who?
And do I dare mention the celebrities we try to emulate? Or the twig thin models who have their photos airbrushed to show only perfection? The list goes on and on. Have we joined the comparison game and let our priorities become skewed? While it isn’t wrong to work hard and enjoy the fruits of our labors, we can let it go too far.
The Bible tells us in both Matthew 7:2 and Mark 4:24, “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you-and even more.” (NIV) Whoa, that’s a scary thought! How do I measure up against the measuring stick I am using on others? Am I veering into judgmental thoughts and a “holier-than-thou” attitude? Yikes!
It’s fine to hold up high standards, but don’t forget mercy and grace! Romans 3:23 says it this way, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (NIV) How soon we forget that we are also sinners, when we want to be quick to point out the misdeeds of others. The Bible has something to say about that, too. Matthew 7:3-5 says, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (NIV) How can we point fingers at others when we are oblivious to our own faults?
Fortunately for all, God has grace. What is grace? It is undeserved favor. It is a gift that we can do nothing to earn. God gives it freely to all who believe. It means every single day, that slate can be wiped clean, and we can begin again. Sometimes we need to start over multiple times during a single day. God is merciful to us and offers forgiveness every time we ask. “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:43 (NIV)
Every day we battle against things that threaten to spiral our days out of our control. God never promised life would be a bed of roses. No, He actually told us we would have trouble. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV) God doesn’t leave us to flounder on our own. He has gifted us with His Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 1:14 speaks of the deposit left with us, our faith in Jesus. “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” (NIV)
We must recognize that it is in the times of struggle that we will look back and see tremendous spiritual growth. Life will never be easy. We are told in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV)
Be encouraged! “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 (NIV) God doesn’t leave us alone. He helps us when we ask. We don’t need to measure up for anyone. God loves us as we are.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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