Prayer Journal
Monday, July 10, 2000
"When we measure ourselves by ourselves and compare ourselves with ourselves, we are not wise." 2 Cor 10:12b
A "standard of measure" is a necessity of life in that it provides a way to compare things. By my count, from "Acre" to "Zulu time" there are, at least, 74 recognized units of basic measurement. From the moment man was created, measuring things according to a standard has been employed in order to give us a proper basis of comparison.
It's not just a scale or a yardstick that is used to measure units. You can also measure a man's character by comparison to God's perfect standard, Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23 is recognized by every Christian; "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Are we not measured by God's glory and found to be short?
Today, you may find yourself victim of another comparison that has you in a prison of your own making. Your parents may not have been the godly example they ought to have been as you were growing up. Today, as an adult with your own children, you consider your own childhood. Hardly a day goes by that you don't judge how you will deal with your children by comparison with your parents.
Today, Family Counselors and Psychologists attend a constant parade of hurting people with family related problems. What a Christian counselor advises is that comparison with anything other than a perfect example is unwise. You will most certainly become like that which you compare yourself.
The world uses "situational ethics" to compare itself to that which "seems" right. The Word of God says that attitude will certainly lead to a trail of destruction ending in the same. (Prov 16:25;14:12) On the other hand, Christians are urged to look at Christ Jesus and imitate Him. (Phil 2:3-5)
Are you measuring yourself today by your parents?; your mentor?; your best friend? your pastor? While they might be great examples of Christianity, God wants you to look at Jesus alone for measurement. When you do, you'll find the chains of your captivity will fall powerless behind you.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.(1)
(1) "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus", words and music by Helen H. Lemmel (c) 1922 Singspiration Music/ASCAP.
(2) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(3) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
