Compared to Whom?

Compared to Whom?

A few years back I wrote a commentary about the biblical story of the prodigal son.   I was reminded of it today while listening to a woman complain about her husband.  I am newly aware of how easy it is for us to use ourselves as a standard by which we judge others.  In the prior article I wrote:

Anyone, by virtue of his genetics, temperament, personality, upbringing, or challenges, may develop attitudes, thought patterns, habits, or behaviors which we and society view as good. This is not the righteousness of God, and is of little value to him.  That is why, in the eyes of God, both the prodigal and his brother sinned.  Everything about us, “good” or “bad” must be submitted to God for cleansing before it can become His righteousness.  And His is the only kind He counts.  (By Comparison, September 12, 2006)

When dealing with someone who fails or falls short in some way we are often using ourselves as the standard by which we evaluate them.  They should measure up to what we would have done in a similar situation.  We are the self-appointed arbiter of what is “good” or desirable.  How did we attain such a high position?  We have elevated ours “ways” (our traits, habits, gifts) above others. 

There are three problems with this flaw in our thinking:

1. It severely damages our relationships.  We become judgmental, haughty, and lacking in compassion.
2. It keeps us from seeing our own faults, weaknesses and motives.  We feel the need to hide our limitations and failures from ourselves and others.  We also fail to recognize God’s hand in the shaping of others.
3. It interferes with our relationship with our Heavenly Father.  How offended he must be that you have replaced his Son as the example of perfection to which we all strive.  You have also blocked his access to perfecting you and drawing you closer to himself.

Under most circumstances we had little to do with the development of our ways, and our gifts and talents are God-given for his service and to his glory.  The next time you find yourself repeating those “I never”, or “I always” phrases you use to criticize another, remember this, too, is a flaw from which you need to be delivered.  Christ alone is the standard by which all flesh is to be judged.