Galatians 6:3-5, “For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.”
Have you noticed one’s pride is fragile and can often get in the way in our relationships? Feelings of pride come into place when comparing ourselves to others and seeing someone else’s flaws. It has to do with the sense you are more important than someone else; therefore, you should get more attention. Don’t we all view with disdain certain boisterous people and think, “Whoa! They sure think they are something!”
Philippians 2:3b-4 has the same idea as Paul is teaching in Galatians 6, which states: “In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” We all want to have significance and be recognized for performing our work or creating and making something expertly. That is not wrong. But it takes carefully scrutinizing our work, and asking ourselves if Jesus was pleased with our actions, attitudes, and behavior? If each area can line up to those standards, then satisfaction and having the inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing ourselves to anyone else can be rightly achieved in a self-deserving feeling of accomplishment well done.
Each person has to bear his or her own burden of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible and give an account before God at judgment day (Rom. 14:12). No one is exempt. The AMP version states Galatians 6:4-5 this way: “But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work (examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior), and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another. For every person will have to bear (with patience) his own burden (of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible).”
The MSG version of Galatians 6:3-5 states concisely also what must be remembered and I am pointing to myself: “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” So you need to, I need to, sink ourselves into what you believe God has given you to do and see that you do it well despite if anyone notices or appreciates it. When you do your very best, feel that joy and relish that moment. When you fall short of your expectations, abide in our God’s loving acceptance and comfort, and ask God to sustain you in His grace. We all struggle with falling into the trap of comparisons. Today’s devotional thoughts are a peak into this very subject of my new book that is now out on Amazon: “Eliminating The Greener Grass Trap. Quitting The Habit Of Comparisons.” Check it out!
Listen to Matthew West – You Are Known (Audio) YouTube song.