Compared to What?

When my son was in elementary school, he brought home a test with a poor grade.  Before I could say anything, he started his defense.  

“If you think this is bad, you should see David’s!  He missed twice as many as I did!”

Making comparisons seems to be built into our DNA.  What better way to push the attention away from ourselves?

“You think I’m driving fast?  What about the guy who just zoomed past me?”

“You think our lawn has too many weeds?  What about the Wilsons’ yard down the street—-their lawn is like a jungle.”

“You think I’m messy?  You ought to see Nathan’s room.  He can’t even find his bed.”

All of us can find someone who has a few more faults than we do.

When it comes to our status before God, this line is so familiar:  

“I may not be perfect, but I’m no worse than the next person.”  

The idea is that if we are a half step ahead of someone else, then God will think we’re okay.  We carefully select someone with whom we can compare favorably.  

Convenient, isn't it?

God declared that there is one standard—-Jesus Christ—-and that we are to compare ourselves only to Him “who never sinned” (2 Corinthians 5:21).  

That changes the picture, doesn't it?  Honestly comparing ourselves with Jesus Christ reveals the truth—-that “we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23).


Realizing how inadequate we are is the first step to getting right with God.  

Only the people who make an honest appraisal of themselves and recognize their sins will seek God’s pardon.  And God “will not reject a broken and repentant heart”  (Psalm 51:17).  

Forgiveness and salvation are for those who recognize that they don't measure up.

You need only to acknowledge your sins, turn to God, and by faith, acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Savior.  

When you do, you’ll receive “the right to become children of God”  (John 1:12), with eternal life as your inheritance.

Jim Kraus, from Have a Good Day, Mt. Morris IL.