2 Corinthians Chapter 10: Verses 7 (NIV)
You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do.
2 Corinthians Chapter 10: Verses 12-13 (NIV)
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. 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.
2 Corinthians Chapter 10: Verses 17 (NIV)
But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Paul was trying to ensure that the Corinthians didn’t get caught up making comparisons between people. Earlier in the chapter, Paul noted that he was aware people were making comments about his manner and appearance. What mattered most to him was that God had given him a calling and he was doing his utmost to fulfil it. Paul wanted the Corinthian church to remember that the most important thing was to do as God asked – and he certainly did that.
People will have opinions about the way we do things. They may keep those opinions to themselves, or they may express them very vocally. The most important thing is that we don’t compare ourselves to others – God has a plan for each of us and its unique to us, so we just need to concentrate on pleasing Him.
Dear Lord,
I’m grateful that You don’t make comparisons between me and anyone else. I know the only person I should be trying to emulate is Jesus. Help me never to judge anyone else by their appearance and manner. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.