What Is Your Standard?

II Corinthians 10:12-13

Have you ever met someone who thought they were God's gift to humanity. These people think they are so great and do not realize that most people cannot stand them. They have moved far beyond confidence into the realm of arrogance. I used to work with a woman like this and when she quit I actually cheered. Apparently Paul was dealing with some people like this in his ministry.

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For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

II Corinthians 10:12-13

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Paul says that as Christians, we do not dare make ourselves like those who who "commend themselves". That is, these people brag about and promote themselves. They are their own favorite topic. No matter what the discussion, they will change the topic to themselves.

Then he says that they measure themselves by themselves. They are the standard by which they measure themselves. In their mind, they are great because simply because they are themselves. They do not need a better reason to believe they are great. By virtue of being themselves then they are the best at whatever they do; regardless of outcome. They especially apply this standard to righteousness.

People like this not only judge themselves by themselves, but they also judge others by themselves. "Her cookies are not good because they are not my cookies". "I am better than that person because I do not do what they do". They sound like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11-12. Read his prayer and you will see a great example of what Paul was talking about.

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The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

Luke 18:11-12

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Paul went on to say that we measure ourselves by a standard outside of ourselves. Our standard of righteousness is not us but God. When we compare ourselves (and others) to Him, we none measure up, but it does give us something to strive for. We realize that we have not achieved greatness or success and so we continue to work towards the goal.

When God is our standard, we will not be self-righteous. We will not demand that others be like us. When God is our standard, we will be humbled, not proud. In return, others will like us more. We will be examples of Christ. When God is the standard, the world will see Him, not us. That should be our goal anyway.

Father, help me to not put myself on a pedestal as the standard by which I measure myself. If I am to be a Christian then my standard must be Christ. Also, help me to not judge others by myself but to reveal Christ to them and in them.