We do not dare to classify our compare
ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure
themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not
show good sense. We, however, will not boast beyond limits, but will keep
within the field that God has assigned to us, to reach out even as far as you.
For we were not overstepping our limits when we reached you; we were the first
to come all the way to you with the good news of Christ. We do not boast beyond
limits, that is, in the labors of others; but our hope is that, as your faith
increases, our sphere of action among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we
may proclaim the good news in lands beyond you, without boasting of work
already done in someone else’s sphere of action. “Let the one who boasts, boast
in the Lord.” For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but
those whom the LORD commends.
Some people in church think of
themselves of spiritual giants, and it goes to their head. They may be a prayer
warrior, but that is all they do. They may teach a class and complain about the
minister, but that is all they do. Other people may feel their spiritual growth
is stunted because they don’t play a visible role. This is also wrong.
Sometimes those who are growing the most feel inferior to those who maintain a
hypocritical façade of legalistic perfection. Spiritual comparisons are always
unwise. Only the LORD is the true judge of spiritual growth. You can boast –
but do it to give glory to the LORD. You are nothing without Him. No deception
is more dangerous than self-deception.
Our Daily
Bread –