I find that I frequently compare myself to other people. I don’t mean to, it just seems to come naturally to me. Most of the time, it is an effort to make myself feel better about myself. Either I see myself as doing better than the other person, or justify what I am doing by seeing others do the same thing. Other times I may do something that I view as kind or nice, but my motives are still self-serving. We cannot accurately evaluate the motives or other people, as we are often deceived by even our own motives.
Luke 16:15 says, “And he (Jesus) said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” We can think highly of ourselves when we compare ourselves to other people. But God is not fooled by these comparisons, He knows what is in our hearts, whether our intentions are good or selfishly motivated. Often what we think is good, is an abomination to God. Let’s stop judging ourselves and others by worldly comparisons, but instead seek pure hearts and loving intentions based upon God’s leading in our lives.
Reluctant Retiree 