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Compared to what?


Ezekiel 31:3

Think of Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon,

with beautiful branches and shady foliage

and of lofty height.

Its top was among the clouds.

 

Thought for the day – Compared to what

God’s words to Pharoah are a challenge. He is comparing Egypt to Assyria and showing how Egypt will be bought down by Nebuchadnezzar in the same way that Assyria was bought down. The analogy of a majestic tree being growing to it’s full majesty and then being felled by foreigners is a poetic one. And one Pharoah would no doubt have understood.

But as I was reading the chapter this morning I found myself thinking who we compare ourselves to. I hate to admit it but as a church leader I often find myself comparing my ministry to the ministry of others. And I was reminded that the Bible talks a lot about comparing ourselves to each other.  Paul writes in 2 Corinthians that we do not dare to class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. And in Galatians he writes: ‘But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.’  (Gal 6:4-5).

So why do we compare ourselves? An answer is is that we don’t have an accurate picture of who we are. Comparisons start because of our own lack of self esteem. That’s not to be confused with humility, which is an active putting aside of oneself. Rather as I said it because we don’t see ourselves the way God sees us. And so the comparisons begin; They are better than me, They have more than me. Their partners are better looking etc… All of these point to insecurities and a lack in trusting God to keep his promises.

God is good. He is love and his gifts to us are too numerous to count. He will not leave or forsake you. Start trusting in him and not comparing yourself to others.

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