Titus 2 Men And Women

Have you ever been walking closely with the Lord and suddenly you are slipping away? What happened? One of the main causes of slipping off of the road is comparison. Now, I know some of you are sure I’ve slipped over the edge, but let’s think about this for a few minutes. Let’s read:

2Corinthians 10:12-18
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."

We begin to compare ourselves to others for one of two reasons; the first is we think we are really doing better then those around us. We lack meekness. When we are seeking glory or recognition in the things we do, we must keep checking to make sure we are ahead of the competition.

Did any of you watch the speed skating in the Olympics. I couldn’t help thinking how much some Christians are like the speed skaters. Glancing back over their shoulder to see if anyone is gaining on them. Or positioning themselves in the pack, drafting off of the skaters in front, so they can sprint ahead in the last few meters to win a medal or in our Christian life the recognition of others.

If we believe ourselves to be far enough ahead we become self-satisfied and begin to coast. What we fail to realize is that spiritual growth ceases when we lose our motivation. Not only does growth stop but also in the Christian life you are either moving forward or slipping backwards...you are never standing still!

Galations 6:3-4
"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another."

The second reason that we compare ourselves to others is if Satan has convinced us that we are a failures or inadequate. Lack of gratitude and contentment. Think of some of the people in the Bible who believed they were incapable of fulfilling the ministry God had for them to perform. Moses told God he couldn’t speak. Do you really believe that Moses couldn’t talk to someone in the house where he was raised or had Satan convinced him he couldn’t? Once God said, ‘then take Aaron along to talk for you’ Moses did just fine. Gideon was sure God made a mistake in choosing him so Gideon put out a fleece. When God answered his prayer Gideon figured God misunderstood the prayer so he tried again! Jonah couldn’t go to Ninevah...until he went swimming with the fishes. Then Jonah hit the ground running to Ninevah. God changed their minds.

What are the results of comparison? Again, there are two...the first is we become bitter toward those who are doing less. Ladies, Satan has a great time with this, believe me I know from experience. Well, it’s just not fair. I’m working on this, that and the other thing while SuzyQ never lifts a finger but always shows up for the activities!!!

The second result is jealousy. We just don’t understand why Beverly Boo always is asked to take charge. I could do the job better than she can...didn’t anyone notice the napkins didn’t match the placemats? What a farce! So much for giving our best for the Lord...our Church must have someone better than that!

Is there a non-skid safety feature to handle this nasty wet spot on the highway of the Christian life? Yes, there certainly is; we read part of the answer a few minutes ago in 2Corinthians 10:17-18 "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."

Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

When we believe that the glory is God’s and that God gives the rewards. We are able to be content in the roll God has given us. By keeping our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus we can be conformed to His image that we might be to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:3, 6, & 12
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ."

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