Date: 01-13-2020

Title: The False Security of Comparison

(S) cripture:
Luke 13:1-5 (NASB77)
¹  Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. ²  And He answered and said to them, ” Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? ³  “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. ⁴  “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? ⁵  “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

(O) bservation:
Jesus here is addressing one of humanity’s greatest downfalls, comparing ourselves to others. Evidently those Jesus was teaching thought they were better than the Galileans or the ones on whom the tower fell and Jesus reminds them that God doesn’t grade on the curve. It is not about being better than someone else, it is about being faithful to God that is the difference. These folks had a false sense of security because of where they were born and their nationality but Jesus warns them that that does not make a difference with God. This comparing with others is a downfall still today and will either paralyze a person’s spiritual growth because they think they are not as good as someone else or it will produce pride, thinking I am better, and both these are destructive to spiritual growth.

(A) pplication:
Comparing myself to others is not healthy for me in any way. Today I will focus on my relationship with the Lord and encourage others to do the same. Jesus did not ask me to compare myself with others whether better or worse. He does command me to be faithful and to follow Him by faith.

(P) rayer:
Lord help me today to focus on you and you alone and not to be comparing myself to others. Thank you for loving me and drawing me to yourself. Let me also encourage others that are caught in the trap of comparison. Amen