January 16th, 2021
Killing Me Softly Devotional Series – Week 1 – Comparison - Saturday – Pastor Todd
Conversations of Grace
Romans 9:20 (NIV)
The Double Trap
This past Sunday we referred to comparison as a trap. In actuality, it’s a double-trap. Comparison itself is sinful as indicated by the command that we are not to tell God what he should have done for us or how he should have made us. Paul says it this way,
“But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, `Why did you make me like this?'
Not only is comparison itself sinful, but it also leads to other sins as well. Comparison can cause us to be jealous, it can bring resentment, and it can lead to foolish misadventures in our lives seeking to be “more” or different than what God ever intended. Stop and reread that last sentence. That’s a pretty lousy set of options.
Still, if all the negative consequences haven’t convinced you to work hard at avoiding comparison, consider the positives. People who have learned how not to compare are happier, are much more delightful to be around, and have a greater sense of specific divine purpose. Now doesn’t that sound like a lot better way to live your days this year?
Every one of us risks falling into the comparison trap. There is no magic cure for it, so be on guard throughout your lifetime. In the end, those who will avoid spending their lives looking to the left and the right here will enjoy their Heavenly Father’s approval someday up there.
Conversations of Grace
Romans 9:20 (NIV)
The Double Trap
This past Sunday we referred to comparison as a trap. In actuality, it’s a double-trap. Comparison itself is sinful as indicated by the command that we are not to tell God what he should have done for us or how he should have made us. Paul says it this way,
“But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, `Why did you make me like this?'
Not only is comparison itself sinful, but it also leads to other sins as well. Comparison can cause us to be jealous, it can bring resentment, and it can lead to foolish misadventures in our lives seeking to be “more” or different than what God ever intended. Stop and reread that last sentence. That’s a pretty lousy set of options.
Still, if all the negative consequences haven’t convinced you to work hard at avoiding comparison, consider the positives. People who have learned how not to compare are happier, are much more delightful to be around, and have a greater sense of specific divine purpose. Now doesn’t that sound like a lot better way to live your days this year?
Every one of us risks falling into the comparison trap. There is no magic cure for it, so be on guard throughout your lifetime. In the end, those who will avoid spending their lives looking to the left and the right here will enjoy their Heavenly Father’s approval someday up there.
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