Death by Comparison

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 12:10
Think quickly: How do challenges come to us in life?  Falling in love, falling out of love, the death of a loved one, the birth of twins, the loss of a job, the gain of the job…fill in what you like, all our challenges are posed to use as individuals.  The goal during the hard times or exciting times in life is not to do as good as “so & so” but rather to do the best you can.  Ironically, everyone agrees on this – no one can love for you, work for you, grieve for you or die for you.  And everyone agrees that in these trials -- that are universal to the human race -- the goal is to be (or do) the best you can.
Yet in everyday life, most people live something completely different.  If you were looking around you might guess the ultimate achievement is to be prettier, stronger, richer, smarter, or (fill in your “er” word) than everyone else.  And that is how many judge their lives.  If only I were as thin as her, as successful as him, as popular as her, as confident as him.  Well, at least I am not a hair brained as she is, as irresponsible as he is, as selfish as she is, as arrogant as he is.
We always want to think that as long as we are better than our neighbor, friend, family member, or if all else fails, that celebrity (what’s his name?)...then we are “okay”.  This is not true.
But how are we to accurately measure our lives?  Clearly, it is not: Did you do better than Katie?  Or: Were you, at least, as successful than John? But rather: How well did you meet a standard?  Okay, but Who’s standard? Who truly measures our lives? Us? Our boss? The guy on the street? Close.  
Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.  – Romans 14:4
We fall or stand based on God’s standard -- the Bible.
The bottom line is: God’s says X.  Am I achieving it? Falling short? Resenting the sacrifice? Ignoring it?  

​Now you know the measurement – no excuses, seek success and don’t be duped by the comparison charade.