Triumphant

 

Triumphant

James 2:  ¹⁰ Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all. ¹¹ For the same one who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Even if you do not commit adultery, you have become a lawbreaker if you commit murder. ¹² Speak and act as people who will be judged by the law that sets us free. ¹³ For God will not show mercy when he judges the person who has not been merciful; but mercy triumphs over judgment.

 

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Hearing what someone else did made me feel pretty good about myself. “I don’t drink and I don’t do drugs and I don’t kill people” were my measures of success. But on my way to work I cut people off in traffic, was short with people at work and joined in on the jokes about body parts.

 

• I tried to justify my sin by comparing what I did to other people.
• I came up with my own conclusion that I was “better” than most people, so I deserved better treatment from GOD.
• I also factored in that I had stopped doing certain sins so GOD should treat me better than those who are still stuck in the stuff “I” used to do.

 

James addressed the sin of comparison. He mentions adultery and murder as two extreme sins to compare. People may have justified adultery, comparing it to murder, thinking it wasn’t as bad as murder. He then gives the right heart each person should have, namely be merciful.

 

My Observations:

• My insecurities make me compare myself to other people so I can feel good about myself.
• Overlooking my own guilt makes me judge other people.
• GOD sets me free from sin through JESUS and wants me to be merciful versus judgmental.

 

Breaking a single Law makes me guilty of breaking the whole Law of GOD. While this seems extremely harsh, it shows me GOD’s standard which is without sin and full of pure love. HE saw that I would struggle with sin because I was born with a tendency to sin. I could never be “good” enough to meet HIS standard of being sinless, so JESUS made a way to remove my guilt.

 

HE not only save me, but wants others saved as well. HE knows the sins of “that” person and forgives him or her, just like HE forgave me. HE wants me to look at my own sins and to not use comparison to justify being judgey. I am glad JESUS makes me triumphant when I show mercy, even in its tiniest degree.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about being guilty?
• Have you ever tried to compare your sin to other people?
• Have you ever talked bad about other people?
• Will you seek mercy by asking GOD to clean your heart so you can be more and more merciful towards all people today?

No Comparison

No Comparison

Titus 2: ⁷ In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. ⁸ Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.

 

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“But so and so did the same thing” was my argument in several instances. I tried to compare my actions with those of another person, usually when something was going wrong or when I did something “bad.” I was met with a startling response. “But we expect more out of you.”

 

• I was comparing myself to other people to justify my actions.
• I was not taking responsibility for issues I was causing.
• I wanted accolades by comparison, but not consequence.

 

Paul had just told Titus to guide older men and women and younger men to “live a holy life” by following sound doctrine. Then Paul turns directly to Titus by urging him to be accountable for his actions. Whether other people followed the advice of living a life for GOD, be responsible for your own actions.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to live a life that is pleasing to HIM.
• GOD wants me responsible for my actions versus passively trying to control others.
• GOD wants me to admit I am a sinner and I need a Savior.

 

Being accountable for my own sins is eye opening. I mean, it is easier to compare “my” good deeds to someone else who may not be doing what “I” am. Unfortunately, GOD detests when I compare myself to someone else. JESUS used a comparison parable when two people went to pray and one compared himself to another saying “I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax collector over there..”

 

The tax collector prayed “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” and JESUS then said the tax collector was justified versus the Pharisee. Comparison seems to enable a short memory for the sins and wrongs of the person. GOD wants me to have a memory that I am forgiven so I can carry grace. I am glad GOD forgives.

 

Challenge

• Was the writer being harsh in the advice given?
• Have you ever been in a situation where other people were misbehaving and you had a choice to not join in?
• What did you do?
• Will you be GOD’s example even when it is extremely hard to do so and keep away from comparing your life to other people?

Something from Nothing

Something from Nothing

Galatians 6: ³ If you think you are something when you really are nothing, you are only deceiving yourself. ⁴ You should each judge your own conduct. If it is good, then you can be proud of what you yourself have done, without having to compare it with what someone else has done. ⁵ For each of you have to carry your own load.

 

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When I got the title I was looking for, I thought I was “something.” I watched those who carried their titles “well” and I sought to be like them. I modeled their purchases, habits and speech patterns. One day, I no longer had that “title.” What was I going to do?

 

• I felt I was a nobody.
• I had wrapped my esteem in things I could compare to other people.
• I secretly missed the clout and recognition for achievement.

 

Paul gives a stern warning about thinking you are “something.” This form of pride is based on comparison to others and needing other people to “affirm” actions. He provides a remedy, “carry your own load.”

 

My Observations

• There is one being I should compare my life to, namely JESUS.
• When I compare my sinful life to JESUS, I quickly see that I am nothing.
• GOD knows HE can use me especially when I do not think more highly of myself.

 

Liking myself was difficult because I thought I had to achieve titles and acquire things to be recognized by others as “something.” BUT GOD scoffed at my titles and achievements because HE is the MOST HIGH. I was busy comparing myself to my coworkers and sometimes taking shots at them to make myself look good.

 

GOD loves when I recognize I am nothing without HIM. HE opens my eyes to be thankful for what HE has done and where HE has placed me. I can then see that HE values me without titles or stuff. I am grateful GOD can love me just as I am. HE made me something from nothing.

 

Challenge

• What two types of pride do you see in this passage?
• How can you tell if you are doing “good conduct?”
• If you compare yourself to others, will you accept the fact that GOD loves you without titles or achievements, so you can carry your own load to serve HIM today?

Boasting Limits

Boasting Limits

2 Corinthians 10: ¹² Of course we would not dare classify ourselves or compare ourselves with those who rate themselves so highly. How stupid they are! They make up their own standards to measure themselves by, and they judge themselves by their own standards! ¹³ As for us, however, our boasting will not go beyond certain limits; it will stay within the limits of the work which God has set for us, and this includes our work among you. ¹⁴ And since you are within those limits, we were not going beyond them when we came to you, bringing the Good News about Christ.

 

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After getting the title, I felt pretty good. “I” had accomplished something “great” and other people told me they admired “my” achievements. I was given a large responsibility within the company, awards and a new office. “I” made it!

 

• The more I had the poorer in humility I became.
• The bigger the title the prouder I became within myself without knowing it.
• The higher I climbed the more I relied on my title for self-esteem.

 

Paul implies a warning about comparing oneself to another, especially those who rate themselves highly. He also points to a healthier means of boasting, namely to speak about how great GOD has loved us by giving us JESUS.

 

My Observations

• I should look at myself less and point more to GOD.
• I must thank GOD for the places HE brought me and the things HE has provided.
• I have to choose to limit myself instead of always testing the boundaries of GOD’s love.

 

In the days of pushing the limits, it seems strange to limit myself to anything old and stodgy. I mean, wasn’t the Bible written in times that were less complicated? Yes, but amazingly it applies even more today than when it was written.

 

GOD’s word, namely the Bible, provides a tiny dose of what HE chose to reveal to humans. It is inerrant in every way. Each day it can be read and applied for decision making, correction and growth. The comparison to JESUS knocks out any pride I may have, so I surrender my life to HIM. I am glad HE gave me limits to live my life abundantly.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the seemingly harsh words of the writer regarding ”self” standards?
• How do you feel about limits?
• Will you choose to walk within GOD’s limits, staying away from the boundaries so you can live an abundant life speaking about JESUS whenever HE sends you to people HE desires?

Not So Bad Zone

 

Not So Bad Zone

Romans 1: ²⁴ And so God has given those people over to do the filthy things their hearts desire, and they do shameful things with each other. ²⁵ They exchange the truth about God for a lie; they worship and serve what God has created instead of the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever! Amen.

 

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I was a bit nervous after bringing home the porn. I spent hours in the bathroom staring at its contents, “playing” with myself and did not get “caught.” After a while that was not enough. I had to have the real thing.

 

I was nervous again but did it anyway. I convinced someone to join me in sex. Afterwards, I looked around and the heavens did not open to burn me up. “Maybe I’m not so bad after all” I said to myself, continuing in my indulgence.

 

• There have been many times when I compared my sin to what other people were doing.
• There been many times when I thought I did not receive any consequence to the actions I knew were wrong.
• There been many times when I brought other people into my filthy world and soon that was not enough.

 

Paul writes something very disturbing. He mentions what GOD dictated to him. GOD has given people over to do as they please and fulfil whatever their evil hears desire. After the shameful act, then the lie appears. “That was not so bad.”

 

• GOD wants me to open my eyes to my sin.
• GOD wants me to stay away from the lie of “not so bad.”
• GOD wants me to confess my filthy heart to HIM daily, never thinking I am “not so bad.”

 

Each time I think I am “not so bad” I commit a “smaller” act of sin that takes my mind further away from thinking of GOD. After a while, I question my salvation because I get to a place where I am not acknowledging GOD at all. BUT GOD shows me grace.

 

HE watched me in the middle of my sin and decided to die for me instead of zapping me with some excruciatingly painful sentence. HE gave me another chance and wants me to do the same to others. I am glad GOD forgave me of all my sins.

 

• Are you addicted to porn?
• Do you or did you crave a sexual relationship outside of marriage as GOD defines it?
• Will you open your eyes to GOD’s grace and stop comparing your sin to other people so you can confess your sins to GOD and HE will be faithful and just to forgive you today?

Jealousy

Jealousy

John 21: ²⁰ Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” ²¹ Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

²² Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

²³ Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

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Me and another person were top in our business class. We worked hard to study and figure things out. When we got our first business engagement, we poured our hearts into in. I worked tirelessly to prove my worth. One guy, who played golf well and told great jokes, got promoted over us. “What about us?” I inquired, really wanting to know “What about me?”

• There were times when I based my worth on winning over someone else.
• There were times when I looked at relationships as win-lose.
• There were times when I felt I needed recognition rather than correction.

Frustrated after JESUS had just restored him, Peter lashed out and said “What about him?”, as if to say, “Why not scold him for betraying YOU?” JESUS sees Peter’s hurt heart and guides him again by saying “What is that to you? Follow ME.” This sounded harsh, but it grew Peter.

• JESUS wants me to have my relationship with HIM.
• JESUS wants me to look at my sins and confess them to HIM every day.
• JESUS wants me to grow my relationship with HIM by seeking HIM and not pouting at what other people are doing or getting.

Jealousy is a heart rotter. I mean when I look at what other people are getting or doing, I wonder if GOD loves me. I question the love of the One who actually loves me. BUT GOD knows this and comes after me anyway. HE erases my jealousy and still rewards me in spite of me. I thank GOD for forgiving me.

• Do you act jealous?
• Do you downplay other people’s accomplishments, talents or skills because you secretly desire to be where they are?
• Will you stop looking at other people and know GOD made you exactly as you are and loves you at HIS maximum already?

Stop Comparing to Others

Job 39: ¹³ “The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,
    though they cannot compare
    with the wings and feathers of the stork.
¹⁴ She lays her eggs on the ground
    and lets them warm in the sand,
¹⁵ unmindful that a foot may crush them,
    that some wild animal may trample them.
¹⁶ She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers;
    she cares not that her labor was in vain,
¹⁷ for God did not endow her with wisdom
    or give her a share of good sense.
¹⁸ Yet when she spreads her feathers to run,
    she laughs at horse and rider.

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Self-conscious about my abilities, I crept into my half of the cubicle. I share a space with another college grad and we both were inexperienced. When introductions came around, I remember the genius acting people spewing out their credentials which made me feel thoroughly inadequate. “How am I going to make it here?” I asked myself.

• Sometimes I feel inadequate.
• Sometimes I feel lost.
• Sometimes I feel everyone else can do things better than me.

When I looked at what everyone else was doing I felt even worse. I mean it was nothing but brain power around me and I enjoyed one card game too many in college. BUT GOD saw something different.

• GOD said to me “Beautifully and wonderfully is how I made you.”
• GOD said to me “I made you in my likeness.”
• GOD said to me “I gave you a measure of faith and it is good.”

The selection process of my mind, body and soul was GOD’s. Whenever I compare myself to someone else, I am saying to GOD, “You don’t know what you are doing!” GOD gave me the ability to follow HIS wisdom and HIS might and not depend on mine. Once I realized this, I began to study and soon GOD elevated me up and out of the organization.

I realized, I need to focus on GOD’s wisdom, not mine.

• Are you feeling inadequate?
• Do you think other people are smarter, faster or stronger than you?
• Can you stop comparing yourself to others and focus on the greatness GOD has place in you?
• Will you stop trying to take credit and give GOD the praise that is due to HIM?

Never Take Credit

Judges 8: ²² The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian.”

²³ But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.”

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Graduating with average to pitiful grades was not something to brag about, yet working at the only company that would accept me made me feel superior enough to become entitled. I did not leave when everyone else left because I was studying. Soon I became the best programmer in the department, or at least that is what people told me.

I felt I needed a raise and a promotion otherwise I would take my brilliant mind elsewhere. When I interviewed for another company I didn’t get the job and had to sit humbly at my desk.

• When I think too highly of myself I start comparing what I do to others.
• When I think too highly of myself I become deserving and entitled.
• When I think too highly of myself I forget where I came from.

Gideon knew where his strength came from. I mean 300 men fought and won battles against 150,000 or more. The odds were definitely not in his favor and upon return he rejected the Israelites request to become a ruler. This is a wonderful example to me.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM rather than taking credit.
• GOD wants me to tell people about HIM rather than trying to subdue HIM and pretend HIS power is mine.
• GOD wants me to know where my strength comes from instead of thinking I have any power.

Low self-esteem is not what I’m shooting for. I believe GOD made me beautifully and wonderfully. HE loves me with my many flaws and accepts me as I am, but I should not get to the point where I think even the tiniest blessing comes from me. All good things come from GOD!

• Are you comparing yourself or your church or your group to others?
• Do you think “that person” or “that group” is the problem?
• Do you feel you can do or say “it” better?
• Can you reduce your focus on “you” and point your life to GOD today?

Do I deserve a blessing?

Deuteronomy 9: ⁶ The Lord your God is giving you this good land to take as your own. But you must understand that it isn’t because you are a godly nation. In fact, you are stubborn.

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“You are very good at what you do” people would say. The first few times I heard this, I was flattered but couldn’t believe it. As time passed I would hear those words and wonder “where is my promotion?” After a while I started to demand a raise and a promotion.  “I’m the best employee they have” I thought to myself.

• When I compare myself to others I get a deserving attitude.
• When I think my talents are “my” talents I get a deserving attitude.
• When I have achieved great things and think it’s because of me, I get a deserving attitude.

My deserving attitude can turn into pouting with GOD. “Why aren’t YOU giving me my way right now GOD?” is where I end up.  Then I start telling HIM about how I served HIM way back about a decade ago and maybe how I went to church last month.  Frankly, GOD isn’t impressed.

• GOD is blessing me in spite of me.
• GOD is blessing me in the “middle” of my sins and doesn’t wait for me to clean myself up.
• GOD is blessing me even when I choose not to follow HIM, but loves when I do.

Mercy, grace and love are some of GOD’s strongest attributes but I can’t forget HE also has wrath, jealousy and judgment as part of HIS supremacy. GOD can discipline me when HE wants to and HE can bless me. HE can close doors and open them. HE loves when I submit my will to HIM, but my submission does not change HIS mind otherwise I could manipulate HIM.

GOD blesses me in spite of me and loves me enough to die for me.

• Do you think you deserve your blessing?
• Do you feel you have served GOD and now HE owes you something?
• Can you stop looking at your service and thank HIM for where you are?
• Won’t you accept where HE has you and thank HIM for HIS great plan for you?

Do I really “need” GOD?

1 John 1: ⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

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No more drinking was my vow to the LORD. I wanted to remain sober to do GOD’s work. No more cursing or cussin’ was my vow to the LORD. I didn’t want to “offend” other people because I was doing GOD’s work. No more offensive jokes wasn’t a vow but I figured I shouldn’t do that either.

Soon I felt like a spiritual giant.  I mean I had rid myself of “all” my sin and I could no longer hang out with the folks who were still “not pleasing” GOD. I could only listen to songs with GOD in it and news from stations where only GOD was mentioned. "Those" people would drag me down and besides, “I stopped sinning, so should they!”

• There are times where I think I can get “better” from my sinful state.
• There are times where I think there are different levels of sin and the sin I’m doing isn’t really sin when you compare it to “that” person.
• There are times where I think I haven’t sinned today simply because I didn’t do the same sin I did yesterday.

It’s real easy to compare myself with others as a measure of “how well I’m doing with GOD.” I mean I see someone serving and I think I should out-serve that person or I hear of someone giving and maybe I should out-give that person.  Soon I’m in an atmosphere where I think I must be pleasing GOD because I’m not only serving people and giving but I’m not sinning too.

I must be doing great with the LORD.  Since I’m not sinning I can “judge” others so they will stop sinning and they will “fit” in with “us.” So why does it feel like I’m running out of energy?

• GOD wants me to examine myself to realize I will always need HIM to save me.
• GOD wants me to tell people about my sins to make them feel comfortable enough to confess their sins.
• GOD wants me to let people know that the more they confess about themselves the larger their ministry will grow.

I was great at the spiritual act. I could put on the “walk on water” face and really look good but I found that I was actually repulsive to others and probably GOD. In fact I acted like I didn’t need GOD because I was already clean! GOD says to me "the only way to healing is by confession." In other words HE can fix me if I admit “I’m” broken.

• Do you think you are better than “that” person because of a sin they did?
• Do you think that just because you aren’t doing certain sins then you are clean?
• Can you examine yourself further to see what barriers you are building up between you and GOD?
• Could you possibly be facing the sin of “omission” or “exclusion” by not seeking the needs of people who don’t act or look like you?

I declare myself the winner!

2 Corinthians 10: ¹⁷ But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 18 

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Sitting at the traffic light with my eyes fixed on the red, I prepared to hit the gas the moment the light changed. Of course the driver in the lane next to me didn’t even know they were in a race. Every once in a while my minivan full of people would run up against a person in a sports car who was aware of my tactics leaving me in a cloud of dust. I couldn’t declare myself the winner that time!

• When I think I am better than I am I fall on my face.
• When I believe I am better than other people reality brings me back down to earth.
• When I perceive my performance is better than it actually is then I open myself up for some harsh criticism.

I can rationalize myself to be better than “that” person or “those” people over there simply by setting a goal only I know or comparing myself to people who aren’t doing the things I’m doing. I hand pick my competition and wallop them without them knowing declaring myself “winner.” Then I boast about my achievement.

• GOD enjoys when I point people to HIM and not on my self-declared status.
• GOD loves when I point people to HIM and not on my self-declared accomplishments.
• GOD elates when I point people to HIM and not on my self-declared righteousness.

All that I accomplish needs to be credited to GOD. HE needs to be the one who says “well done my good and faithful servant” based on how I treat others. HE looks at my thoughts and attitude and can easily discern my motives. My bragging should be that GOD is the only one who is “good” and all I have achieved comes from HIM.

• Are you comparing yourself to someone?
• Are you busy looking at your accomplishments thinking you are “good” or “bad?”
• Can you stop comparing and just live for CHRIST at least for today?
• Won’t you brag about what GOD is doing for you instead of trying to be noticed?

I need “you”

1 Corinthians 12: ¹⁵ Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.
^18 .But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be

¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

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Do it yourself shows are a favorite of mine because I can learn how things are made and pick up a few tricks. To save a few bucks I think I can do anything until I actually start the project and quickly realize I’m in trouble.

I wind up getting an expert who costs twice as much as my original estimate because they have to repair what I broke. I still wonder how I made it home when I tried to repair my own brakes!

• None of us is as good as “all of us.”
• I may think my talents are great until I try to do everything.
• I sometimes have to admit I need “that” person.

GOD made me incomplete.  Yes I am complete in my relationship with HIM but HE made me need other people. I must recognize their GOD given talents and experiences and welcome their help instead of complaining to GOD that I am not made a certain way.

• I should thank GOD for other people because HE made them just as they are.
• I should thank GOD for different opinions because GOD lovers variety.
• I should thank GOD for diverse thought because my thinking can be faulty.

The words “I need you” should pour out of my mouth on a regular basis because I can’t do it all. I must appreciate those who provide the help.

• Do you think other people are better than you because of their title?
• Can you examine yourself to see why you think a position in the church is greater than another?
• Won’t you put your trust in GOD who loves a wide variety of people?

On the path to destruction

1 Corinthians 3: ¹⁶ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.17 

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Driving down the street minding my own business when that “idiot” wanted to speed up, swerve in front of me and barely miss my car and the truck in front of me. What an “idiot.” Arriving at work I noticed a group of people not doing what they were supposed to be doing. What “lazy” people. When a famous sports figure fell to drugs or adultery I would think, what a “waste.”

• When I think other people are wrong and “I” alone am right then GOD has issues with me.
• When I believe “that” person should be punished and I should be praised then GOD has issues with me.
• When I “those” people have problems and I don’t then GOD has issues with me.

“Wait a minute” you might say. “They are the ones doing the stupid things, why am I involved?” GOD wants me to view each person as another section of HIS temple. There should be no part of the building that I hate.

• GOD sees every person as part of HIS temple so I should treat everyone special.
• GOD does not want to see any person destroyed because HIS temple is sacred.
• GOD wants me to treat HIS temple as being sacred so I must treat everyone, even my enemies, with the thoughtfulness of GOD.

Yeah, I thought this verse was about staying away from sex, drugs and rock and roll, but I missed the words “you together are that temple.” This statement means I have to drop my prejudice, hatred and selfishness and replace them with love, peace and generosity. GOD will destroy the divisive. HE wants me to build HIS kingdom up instead of tearing it down.

• Are you trying to tear someone down?
• Are you tired of “those” people?
• Can you hear GOD asking you to stop looking at their problems and help them?
• Do you realize that no one wins unless all of us win?

I’m better than that person

Luke 17: ⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:

¹⁰ “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

   ¹³ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

   ¹⁴ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

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My neighborhood where I grew up was not bad by any stretch of the imagination but there were a few unsavory characters.  One guy constantly broke in our garage and there were others who acted loud and obnoxious.

My parents once scolded me for not doing my chores and I said in my defense, “I’m doing better than those guys.”

• Just because I do fewer sins than another person doesn’t mean I am not off the hook for my own sins.
• Just because someone does something worse than the sin I just did doesn’t give me the right to compare myself to them.
• Just because I have reset my standards doesn’t mean everyone around me is going to reset theirs.

My friends and family have felt my judgmental behavior which actually drives them away from GOD. Discussions about “those” sinners are not appealing to anyone. GOD wants me to humbly admit “I am a sinner.” By the way there is a period on that last sentence.

• Do you think you are better than “that” person?
• Have you stopped doing certain sins and judging others for doing those sins?
• What sins are you hiding?
• Are you willing to proclaim your sins in front of everyone to finally release its deadly grip on you?

I “look” better than you.

Mark 2: ¹⁷ On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

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While listening to the news I heard of many who raped, burned and pillaged our towns. “How dare they” I said from my extremely high horse. “Tsk, tsk, tsk” I thought to myself “I’m pretty good.” I mean I go to church and I’m nice and I’m this and I’m that. My arm got a little tired from patting myself on my back.

• When I compare myself to others I’m actually looking for something to be wrong with them.
• When I compare myself to others I am trying to justify my sinful life.
• When I compare myself to others GOD is not impressed with the comparison.

It seems like I get a little mad at GOD when I compare myself to others. I see people who seem to get their way through lying, cheating and stealing and I seem to struggle when I follow GOD. “What’s the deal GOD” I scream at HIM. “Look at them and look at me! Shouldn’t I be the rich one?”

• GOD wants me to compare myself to JESUS.
• HE wants me to understand my soul is in an unhealthy state.
• GOD wants me to need and want HIM to cure my sinful ailment.

The only way for me to be “cured” is to admit I’m a sinner.  But you say, “I’ve done this before and nothing changed.” My heart needs to be worked over a little more than some I guess. I can get a little haughty and judgmental when things are in my favor and contrite and humble when things go wrong.

GOD wants me to be consistent in my worship of HIM. HE wants me to admit my sins to HIM while showing grace to the multitudes. My only comparison should be with JESUS, when I do that I bow my knees and admit, “I am a sinner.”

• What are you “demanding” from GOD?
• Are you comparing yourself to others?
• Do you think you deserve more?
• Can you spend some time admitting to GOD where your life is right now?

Let me judge you!

Matthew 16: ¹² Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

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“Crash, Bang, Ha, Ha, Ha” were the sounds in the hallway before the first day of classes. I went out and said “could you hold it down?” At that moment one of the guys crept up behind me and pulled down my pants!

Later that week we were finished with our classes and wanted to enjoy a little music. As I cranked up the decibels another neighbor, who was not involved in the commotion, asked “could you guys hold it down?” “Who does he think he is? Everyone makes noise, he just has to deal with it.”

• When I judge people I am trying to get things my way.
• When I judge people I have a double standard.
• When I judge people I am saying that you do not meet “my” standards.

It seems like everyone else is stupid when I judge others. I mean, “Why don’t they just do it my way and things will be fine.” “The leaders are smart until they don’t agree with me” is the attitude I worked from BUT GOD thinks differently.

• Every human is loved dearly by GOD.
• Every opposing view from others is not wrong.
• Every thought I have towards another person has to be compared with the compassion of GOD.

It’s real easy to hate others or dislike what they do. In some instances I can clearly justify why I think they are wrong because I “followed the rules.” BUT GOD truly wants me to have compassion on those who do not deserve it.

• Is someone treating you wrong?
• Do you want something bad to happen to them?
• Can you have compassion on them even if they are wrong?
• Will you drop the double standard and treat the person the way GOD wants you to treat them?

You are talented so use your gifts!

1 Peter 4: ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

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“What is going to be your major in college” the teacher asked our class. “I want to be a surgeon” one said, “Political Science because I want to be a lawyer” another exclaimed. But when it was my turn I just froze. I wasn’t particularly talented in a specific thing.

My grades were decent but I never thought about what I would like to do. I was scrawny so I couldn’t play sports. I could draw but only as a doodler. I sat confused because I was around so many talented people. I poked my lip out and said “I’m not good at anything!”

• When I think I am not talented I’m telling GOD HE made a mistake.
• When I think I’m not special I’m telling GOD HE doesn’t know what HE is doing.
• When I think I don’t have any talent I miss out on living an abundant life GOD has in store for me.

Comparing myself to others is always a bad thing to do because it breeds jealousy and envy. GOD wants me to focus only on me, recognizing my special talents and gifts so I can use them to further HIS kingdom. In other words, stop looking over the fence and get busy in my own yard.

• GOD made EVERY human with a special gift.
• All of GOD’s gifts that HE gave humans are for HIS purpose and pleasure.
• When GOD made me HE was very pleased because HE gave me a talent.

GOD made me special for HIS purpose. I have a choice to use the gifts and talents HE gave me to fulfill my earthly lusts or to grow HIS kingdom. Unfortunately many times I choose self over GOD, but the times I do focus my talents on serving HIS humans, HE is extremely pleased with me.

GOD didn’t make me to “get” stuff, GOD made me to “give” stuff. My talents are supposed to be used to serve many people, love many people, encourage many people and praise JESUS our living GOD who is equal to the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT.

• What is your talent or gift from GOD?
• Are you comparing yourself to others?
• Can you use your talents some of the time to serve someone just because GOD wants you to?

This message is for me!

Galatians 6:  ¹Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. ²Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. ³If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ⁴Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, ⁵for each one should carry his own load.

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“Wow what a great sermon the pastor preached” I thought to myself years ago. He had just finished a series on stewardship and I knew just the people this applied to. I made sure I had enough tapes (yes tapes) to pass out to the people who needed to hear this message.

“Maybe this will correct them. Maybe now THEY can get out of debt.” Aren’t they fortunate to have me in their lives? NO!

• When I think someone else needs the message then GOD may have a problem with me.
• When I talk about “them” I am not examining myself.
• When I assume GOD needs me to deliver a message to someone, my arrogance may get in the way of the message.

Comparing myself to others comes in many forms. I attempt to clean myself up and set my own standard of what "clean" is then I stop. I then say to myself, “I’ve made it so let me go out and help others reach what I have reached.” Unfortunately for me, I haven’t “made it.”

• GOD enjoys when I listen to HIS messages and apply them to my life.
• HE celebrates when I test my own actions and act according to HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD loves when I carry another person’s burdens rather than comparing how much better I am to others.
• HE desires I seek restoration of an offensive person rather than patting myself on the back for being “good.”

There have been many times where I have seen someone do some crazy sinful things and I talk about “them” BUT GOD wants me to stop looking at “them” and start looking at me. GOD wants me to pick up my cross, in other words “carry my load.”

• Do you compare yourself to others?
• Are you trying hard to correct another person’s actions?
• Have you tried letting go of steering them and cleaning yourself up?
• Do you think GOD is pleased with your complaints about “that” person?
• If you truly believe GOD is in control, can’t HE grow “that” person and you without your complaint?