The Real Measuring Stick
My family is filled with preachers. My grandfather
preached the gospel for over sixty years. My father currently preaches
in Indianapolis. My uncle is the evangelist for the Lord’s church in
Crawfordsville. In addition, both of my brothers, my cousins and another
uncle help out in preaching duties at times.
With all of these preachers, it is easy for folks to make comparisons.
When I was younger, I still remember a man telling me after every
sermon, “someday you’ll be as good as your Dad!” My Dad recalls the same
thing when he started preaching. Perhaps someday my own child will be
telling the same story!
Well, though this is humorous, we can occasionally get ourselves into
trouble by comparing ourselves with others.
It is true that “iron sharpens iron” and strong friends can make us
stronger (Proverbs 27:17). Yet, it is also true that comparing ourselves
to others can be harmful.
Christians are sometimes tempted to say, “well, at least I’m not as bad
as that person in the church!” Or, when approached with a concern, some
may quickly change the subject and say, “Well, at least I am not doing
what Brother or Sister so-and-so is doing!”
2 Cor. 10:12 says, “...we dare not class ourselves with those who
commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and
comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
What is it that is so unwise about justifying yourself by finding
someone weaker? Well, you can always find a worse example than yourself.
Anybody can do that and make themselves feel better. Yet, the real
measuring stick of our spiritual maturity is how we measure up to
Christ.
Later in the text we read, “For not he who commends himself is
approved, but whom the Lord commends” (vs. 18). When we compare
ourselves to Christ, I’d say, we all (including preachers) have some
work to do (1 Pet. 2:21)!
Think about it.
September 2005