Last week we addressed the need for corporate FAITH, not just the faith of the leadership of the Church. Apostle Paul raised other ingredients that bring expansion to ministry, and among them is the element of NOT COMPARING or NOT MEASURING ourselves among ourselves, as Paul put it. To refresh your memory of II Corinthians 10, I’ve reposted the passage:

12 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. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

As you see here, Apostle Paul said “it is unwise” to compare or measure ourselves…especially by what we’re doing in relationship to what others are called to do. We are responsible to be obedient to the calling and assignment given to us by the Lord. In another passage, Paul said, “…make your calling and election sure...” Comparing or measuring our accomplishments with others is a trap of the enemy and is often rooted in judgment and brings the spirit of heaviness. If others are doing better than us, the human tendency is to find fault with them to make us feel better about where we are in our journey. If others are doing worse than us (our assessment is often tainted and much different than God’s), the human tendency is to become puffed up with pride and vanity. Either comparison is unwise. Both are broken tools to measure personal accomplishment in ministry or business.

Beloved, if we remain faithful and stay in the place of faith all the way to the end and refuse to use the broken tools for comparing and measuring accomplishment or success in ministry and life (that the enemy promotes), we are at least two steps closer to seeing the kingdom of God expand like Apostle Paul described, meaning: “…that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you…”

As always, we welcome your comments additional thoughts on these blogs. God bless you, as you consider these points worth pondering…

With grace…for His glory,

Brother Bill