"Better Than You"

EPISODE 94

Avoid Feeling Superior

Watch

Listen

Read

Of all the "woes" that social media has brought upon us, comparison may be the most pervasive and damaging. The quest for more followers, likes, and engagement has fostered a society of superficial perfection-seekers. And it's all so we can be better than everyone else.

"God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get" (Luke 18:11-12).

The Pharisee saw his righteousness as superior to "other men," as if God used the same standard that he had. So, why are feelings of superiority so problematic for the disciple?

We Lack Understanding

"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding" (2 Cor. 10:12).

We're using the wrong standard when we determine our value based on other people. It's no longer God's who judges us, so long as we can find someone to whom we're better. But when we're wise in our own eyes, we're truly using a foolish standard (Prov. 26:12). So, will you start looking heavenward to determine your self-worth?

We Ignore Other's Value

"The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" (1 Cor. 12:21-22).

Consider the damage to others when we hold ourselves up as "better." We'll only continue to discount, alienate, and lessen their sense of value and belonging. Even within the church, every member is valuable, though our work may not look the same. So, will you start acknowledging the indispensable work that others are doing?

We Forget Our Sinfulness

"What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one ..."" (Rom. 3:9-10).

It's easy to build dividing walls to keep "those people" out. Yet while we're busy isolating ourselves, we often neglect to see our failures. We are just as guilty of sin as those we're trying to keep at arms-length. So, will you start looking inward, before you lovingly look outward, when dealing with sin?

May God help give us the humility to see that we're no better than anyone else, and to boast only in him, as Paul said, ""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" (2 Cor. 10:17-18).