2 Cor 10:12-13 For we dare not compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise! (NKJV)
In this verse, Paul the apostle is speaking about a clique of people in the church at Corinth who are judging each other by the standards of the world! The world eulogizes people’s success by their riches, intelligence, physical beauty, family name, giftedness etc, etc!
Is this how we judge ourselves today. Do we measure ourselves against others who are more richer, intelligent or beautiful than we are! If so we are judging by a standard that leads to covetousness, discontent, bitter disappointment and hopelessness!
We are seeking to find identity and security in what we do – not in who we are!
The New Covenant teaches that as sons of God, we find identity and security in Christ!
In Christ we learn that the Father loves us for who we are not for what we can do! Before Jesus had performed a miracle or commenced His ministry, His Father affirmed Him with these words: “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased!”
Jesus’s identity as a Son was found in being loved for who He was – not for what He could do!
STOP READING AND ASK THE FATHER TO REVEAL HIS LOVE TO YOU!
1 Jn 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us! (NKJV)
Gal 2:20 I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJV)
Comparing ourselves with others breeds a competitive spirit and discontent! We strive to keep up with the Joneses, we want others to see us as cool, but inwardly we are restless, jealous and dissatisfied with life!
Question: Why am I living like this? Answer: I am not trusting God to provide for me, to make a way for me, hence I am not living in Christ’s rest!
Mt 11:28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (THE MESSAGE)
MEDITATION POINT: Prayer – Father, give me an awareness to recognise those times when self effort, pressure and stress are driving me to perform, that I may cease from striving, put You first and trust in You to make a way for me!
Phil 4:8 Meditate (think) on these things.
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