2 Corinthians 10:12-14

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹² 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.

¹³ But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.

2 Corinthians 10:12-14 New

International Version (NIV)

¹² We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

¹³ We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you.

“I can’t keep my house clean like…”

“If I only had a job like….”

“If our bank account looked like …”

“They have it all together, why can’t we?”

“There is no way I can fit in with that group…”

Measuring up. We look around today and compare our lives to others. We try to measure up, to be as good as, or to be just like others. I know I am guilty of this comparison crime on many counts.

Why do we do it? Why does it sneak into our thinking, or focus? I think it is because we have lost our focus and we are trying to measure up to the world and those around us, when we should be measuring up to Jesus.

I remember when I was a kid, the goal, the point you knew you made that big growth spurt is when you were finally taller than Grandma. At one point every visit, we would stand next to Grandma and “measure”. As an adult I chuckled as my children measured up to their Grandma.

Measuring has been part of life since we were young. Think back on the different types of “measuring” you have done through the years. What do you think? More than you thought? The more I think on it, the more I see. There are more than I could record. Even a couple from today.

Becoming aware of our thoughts and actions are one way to put the rulers, tape measures and ideals away. There is only one to whom we should measure ourselves. One whose standards we should uphold without wavering, doubting, or questioning.

That is Jesus. We have a book with directions, encouragement, discipline and love that we can follow. We have His life recorded, and the lives of those He taught. He is the standard. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Do you know the definition a Standard? Thanks to Dictionary.com I have found a couple:

adjective: of recognized excellence or established authority

noun: a flag, emblematic figure, or other object raised on a pole to

indicate the rallying point of an army, fleet, etc.

an upright support or supporting part. (flag pole)

Jesus, is, of recognized excellence or established authority. He was also raised on a pole (of sorts) indicating a rally point. If He had not been crucified, lift on the cross, died for our sins, we would have no hope in heaven. He is our rally point, He is the one we look to when all else seem daunting and overwhelming, when we have been laid low by sin, discouragement, and hurt, or even the hands and schemes of other; He is there. We can look to Him, the upright support and follow.

Looking to Christ takes my eyes off all that surrounds me. I focus on Him. I line myself up with Him. It is then the Holy Spirit in me takes His words and makes them alive. The Spirit creates in me a clear sense of who I am in Christ. Who I am in Christ is all I need to be, for you see He created me to be just me. He is that standard by which I will measure up.

Amen