A Popular Religious Game

by Dr. Don Sisk

One of the things that we find ourselves constantly doing is comparing ourselves with others. We forget that each of us was created by God for a specific purpose. God said to Jeremiah, “Before I formed thee …; I knew thee... and ordained thee….” Jeremiah 1:5. God formed him for a specific purpose. God formed you for a specific purpose.

Paul reminded the people of his day, and since it is in the Bible it is God’s warning for us, that they or we are not to judge ourselves by other men’s actions or thoughts. He concludes his exhortation on this subject with a very strong statement, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12.

1. I should not feel bad because I do not measure up to someone else’s accomplishments or expectations. I am responsible to do what God wants me to do. I am ultimately accountable to Him.

2. I should not feel good because I have exceeded the accomplishments of others or their expectations for me. Have I accomplished what God wants me to do and have I met His expectations?

3. I should feel great about myself and be at peace with God if I am where God wants me to be, doing what God wants me to do in the way he wants it done.

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” II Corinthians 10:12

Believers should not be on a guilt trip nor on an ego trip. We should all strive to do all we can for the glory of God. Thank God we have a loving heavenly father to whom we must answer. He made us! He loves us! We are His!

Many people, churches and organizations fail to do their best because they are doing good when compared to others. Many people, churches and organizations are on guilt trips because they have not accomplished as much as others. THIS IS NOT WISE. Do not be satisfied just to do well in comparison with others. Strive to be the best YOU can be! Do not feel guilty if you do not measure up to the standards of others. Just be sure you are doing what YOU can do to the best of your God-given abilities.

What a great responsibility we have in this day of unprecedented opportunities to use all the tools, methods, technology, and the abilities that God has placed in our hands to reach the multitudes with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Untold millions are still untold. We must strive to do our best!