I am the stereotypical male shopper. When I go into a store I go straight to the item I want, pick it up and head to the cash register. I don’t evaluate the product against others in the same category and I am not very concerned with the relative price of my choice versus others. I may have done some research before heading to the store, but probably not much. My wife is the research fanatic. If I involve her in my choice selection, I will probably pay less and get a better quality product, but it will certainly take more time.
In other aspects of life, however, we are all prone to comparing ourselves with others. Whether it be the clothes we wear or the car we drive, we are often thinking about how these things rank in comparison to what our neighbor has. In social situations, we compare who we talk with to who are friends are speaking with. We judge how successful we are by comparing our awards, salary and promotions with those of others.
Unfortunately, comparing ourselves with others is a fruitless exercise. We will always be better than some and worse off than others. Even if we do win, in our judgment, so what? In the end, these achievements are meaningless, especially when you consider eternity. Our relative successes will all turn to dust one day and will not be remembered.
II Corinthians 10:12 says, “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” God is the standard by which we should evaluate ourselves. Ephesians 5:1 says that we should be “imitators of God”. He is the true and faithful standard for evaluating our lives. Becoming imitators of God will give us a life beyond comparison and ensure that we produce fruit in keeping with His grace.
Reluctant Retiree 