The Comparing Game (Humility)

 

When we measure and compare ourselves with others, we will either feel ourselves lacking and feeling inferior or we will be seeing ourselves as better than others.  Neither of these scenarios are pleasing to the Lord.

Both scenarios a comparison that creates jealousy and anger.  These are big hindrances to growing in humility.  The Bible verse 2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV tells us we are

 "without understanding"

 when we play the comparing game.

These can lead to devastating consequences.  It is not just child's play!

Think back to Cain and Abel.  Brothers - the first ever brothers of humanity.  Both worked hard at their vocations.  Cain - a vegetable farmer while Abel herded and tended sheep.  

When each brought an offering for the Lord, both brought from what they knew and what they valued.  We ask then, "Why?"  Why did the Lord regard Abel's offering over Cain's?

Seems like Cain had a right to be angry and jealous and want vindication.  The Bible doesn't indicate the Lord's reasons but we can surmise some.

God knows our hearts.  He knows what is deep down and what our motivations are.  He may well have accepted Abel's offering as more acceptable as Abel knew and understood what God wanted most.  Abel's heart attitude was wrapped in faith and humility.

On the other hand, Cain's heart may well have been proud of all his work, forgetting that despite all his weeding, fertilizing and tending of his crops, it was God who made it actually grow.  His jealousy led him to murder his brother Abel.  He had no understanding of what the Lord wanted.

From the New Testatment we see John the Baptist was one who knew what the Lord wanted.  He understood his role was to prepare the way for Jesus to come.  He did his ministry well and in the end he said about Jesus and himself,

"He (Jesus) must increase but I must decrease" (vs 30).

And so John exalted Jesus, which was right.  In this we can see John the Baptizer's humility.

Let's get before the Lord for this very serious matter especially since it can be a stumbling block and hindrance to our growth in humility.  Remember, all we have and our abilities come from the Lord.

                                                   ~ ERC  December 2025  ~

Based on 2 Corinthians 10:12; Genesis 4:1-55 and James 3:14-16 ESV.

Sing, Humbled Heart, Litany of Humility.