For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves

.... with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12). Paul, who had first lead the Corinthians to Christ (11:2), found himself having to defend himself against accusations of false apostles (i.e. 10:10; 11:13). Comparing yourself with others, puffing yourself up,  and putting others down, is not just in politics. It is part of fallen human nature, and it is somewhat infectious. I find it so much easier to be humble with those who are humble. But with those who are boasting,  I can find myself wanting to push myself forward. “Oh yeh, well let me tell you about me!”

Part of the accusation against Paul, was that in his presence he was not bold.  And in irony, he is essentially saying he is not bold enough to compare himself with those who boast of their accomplishments (12). In fact he will reluctantly boast, but not in his accomplishments. Rather in order to defend himself and to protect the Corinthians from the false apostles, he boasts in his suffering. And he can do this, because suffering is the vehicle that allows for Christ's power to rest on him (12:9).  Worldly thinking is so very different from spiritual. The world thinks of meekness as weakness. And Paul,  while he was there,  had been gentle and meek among them  (10:1). Because of this they thought of him as worldly (10:2). But meekness is not weakness, it is strength under control.  A meek person can be bold when it is necessary. Jesus was meek, but He was bold,  for example, when He made a whip of chords and drove the money changers out of the temple (John 2:14, 15).

In the world, it's all about image, about the outward appearance, looking good on the outside (10:7). Scriptures tells us that “man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).  If we find ourselves concerned only with the outward appearance, we will inevitably get caught up in comparing ourselves with others. This morning's verse tells us this is not wise. It is not wise to see ourselves as better than others, for “pride comes before the fall,” and those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Proverbs 16:18: Matthew 23:12). It is not wise when by comparing ourselves to others,  we finish up putting ourselves down, feeling inferior and useless. We are image bearers of God and each and every one of us is precious and valued in His sight. The value of something is what someone it willing to pay for it. And Jesus paid for you and I by His costly death on the cross. That makes you and I infinitely valuable!

Father, help us not to get caught up in comparing ourselves with others. It can lead to pride, or jealousy, or to feeling inferiority. We are not to think too highly of ourselves, but to think soberly according to the measure of our faith (Romans 12:3). But neither are we to think of ourselves as inferior, for we are image bearers of Yourself. Help us Lord to think rightly about these things,  and we will give You the praise and the glory in Jesus Name Amen