Each of us as believers have been given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3b CSB) and are spiritually gifted with “the mind of Christ” as followers of Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:16b CSB). So, it wouldn’t make sense to fall into the comparison trap the Apostle Paul warns us about when he wrote “…in measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding,” (2 Corinthians 10:12b CSB).

 
The truth is, when we use other Christians as a measuring stick, or try in our own strength to live up to someone else’s standard for Christian living, we fail to acknowledge where the real substance of our faith belongs. It is in Christ — not in us or anyone else — not in the person in the pew sitting next to us, not in the pulpit, not in the world, but in His power, His perfection, and His promises. It is “Christ in you the hope of glory” we bank our spiritual hope on (Colossians 1:27b CSB). This is the only currency that wins favor with God.

Perhaps there’s a past sin you can’t seem to forget. God sees us in His Son, and if Jesus died and rose again to remove our sin as far as the east is from the west – if He’s truly risen out from under the condemnation of our sin and guilt once laid on Him, why would we falter in faith and choose to hang onto past failure or sin? It’s false to believe the grace of Jesus extends to everyone else – “but I might be one of the exceptions because of X, Y, or Z.” That’s a recipe for spiritual stale-mate, and it’s not the will of God for our lives, but an exercise in unbelief, (Hebrews 3:12 CSB).

 
Lord, keep us from an evil heart of unbelief. “Create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a right spirit within me,” (Psalm 51:10 KJV). Amen.