Comparing ourselves to others is never a wise thing to do. God created us differently—and that’s a very good thing, as far as I’m concerned. When we begin to compare ourselves to others, we can become prideful, thinking we’re somehow better than they are, or we can disparage ourselves, thinking we’re somehow less.
But sometimes when we “commend ourselves,” we’re equally at risk. Paul wrote about to those who “measure themselves by themselves” and their pride. One commentary expounds:
They were pleased, and did pride themselves, in their own attainments, and never considered those who far exceeded them in gifts and graces, in power and authority; and this made them haughty and insolent. Note, If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would be a good method to keep us humble; we should be pleased and thankful for what we have of gifts or graces, but never pride ourselves therein, as if there were none to be compared with us or that did excel us. The apostle would not be of the number of such vain men: let us resolve that we will not make ourselves of that number. (Matthew Henry Complete Commentary of the Whole Bible)The bottom line is that we really cannot and should not boast in ourselves because we are nothing of ourselves. What we have and who we are is only by God’s grace. And since He’s created each of us according to His own purpose, comparing ourselves to others and being prideful in ourselves is not only sinful, but it’s also as if we’re telling God He’s done something wrong … And He does nothing wrong.
It comes down to trusting God that He’s right—always. However He’s created us. And whatever He’s called us to do.
