“Comparisons are odious”
I remember reading that years ago but I can’t remember where. It just stuck with me. I do know part of it was that “odious” was not a word I used in my vocabulary…like never. 🙂
In Bill-speak that saying would be “comparisons are stupid.” In Oxford-speak that word is defined as “extremely unpleasant, repulsive.”
We have a bad habit of comparing ourselves to others. “He is taller than me.” “He plays baseball or basketball better than me.” What teen girl hasn’t compared her looks, her hair, or her physical characteristics to another? Influencers (the bane of existence) are constantly telling us “How to…” Adults compare houses, cars, and even bank accounts. There seems to be no end to our comparison.
It certainly happens in the church world. “He is a better preacher, teacher, singer, player, etc than me.” “He/she is wealthier than me so he gives more and what I give doesn’t matter.”
STOP!! HOLD THE PRESSES! SAY WHAT??? I have yet to see anywhere…ANYWHERE…that God’s Word makes that a criteria for serving Him. In fact, I read Luke 21 this morning and I love verses 1-4. It is the story of Jesus standing by and watching people give and a widow comes and gives her two mites (less than a penny in our currency). Pay particular attention to verses 3-4: “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (NLT)Â Jesus put those “comparison-pickers” in their place. This widow gave all she had in comparison to the religious leaders who were mighty proud of themselves and thought they were all that and more. Looking down their noses at the “lesser givers” gave them a sense of being high and mighty. Jesus said, “Oh no. Not on my watch. This widow gave more.”
You see, it really doesn’t matter how much. It really does come down to your heart and the attitude in which you give. This widow gave all she had. Hang the comparison.
i do appreciate your ‘Bill-speak’ translation. comparison is such a death trap to our ministries, relationships, creativity, peace of mind.
may we aim to please only Him. everything else will fall into place.
Thanks Linda. It is nice to be understood. 🙂 But you are also very correct in that it is a death trap
True words Bill. Even the apostles fell into the trap of comparison on who was the greatest. Worrying about what someone else has or does, takes our eyes off of the many blessings that God has given us. We a hard enough time keeping our own thoughts and hearts in line with Lord, to worry about someone’s else’s.
That’s a great point about the disciples Gail. Thanks for bringing that up. And yes, I have a hard enough time with my own stuff.
It’s not how much you give, it’s whether or not you give from the heart. Comparing oneself to another is a death trap, for sure!
Blessings, Bill!
Well said Martha and so true.
I totally agree with you about influencers, Pastor Bill. Social media has been the ruination of this generation. Oh, for the days when it hadn’t infiltrated our lives! I avoid most of it and want only the part that edifies and encourages my walk with Jesus.
I feel the COVID shutdowns we experienced only made the social media thing worse. And I’m all for being edified as well.