Twin City church of Christ Blog
“June 27, 2024 - The Comparison Problem”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsThe Comparison Problem
Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:7-12
Paul is defending himself against some in Corinth who are undermining his influence. He lists one of the prominent accusations against him. “I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. For they say, ‘His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account’”(2 Cor 10:10). They mock Paul’s letters as stronger and harsher than he actually is in person. It is a way of discrediting the power of what he has written. “Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present”(2 Cor 10:11). Paul rejects this idea with the ominous pronouncement that when he comes, his words will be matched by strong actions.
Yet even here, Paul cautions them not to take him the wrong way. “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding”(2 Cor 10:12). In his defense of himself, Paul doesn’t want the Corinthians to think that he is like these opponents. Such people continually “measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another” in efforts to appear more important, successful, and worthy of respect than others. Paul is not stooping to the methods of others—trying to demean and badmouth so that he looks better by comparison. When we use such tactics, we “are without understanding.”
The comparison problem is that we often feel that our only value is found in comparison to others. I must find others who look worse than me. The respect and attention I desire is only found at the expense of others. Paul insists that this is not the way true servants of God should think of themselves. We don’t need comparisons to make ourselves look better. We already matter to God. More, such personal attacks only distract from the significant spiritual issues we must navigate as we work together and seek to please God. Comparison gets me no closer to God or others. When we use such tactics, we “are without understanding.”
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One Thing to Think About: Do I ever make myself feel better by looking down on others?
One Thing to Pray For: The security to trust that God’s love is what makes me valuable
