Captain Comparison Reads Colossians
This could most definitely be a woman thing, but I think guys struggle with this as well.
It's ridiculous how comparing can mess with or consume my thoughts at times.
There are times when I compare myself to others and think, "I'm doing alright".
Most of the time, for me anyway, I'm thinking why I don't have it together like other people.
Comparing.
Constantly comparing.
"My house isn't as clean. I work just as hard dangit!"
"I wear a Tshirt and jeans and they always look amazing!"
"Why don't I have any natural talents like that person. For the love. I'm NOT musically inclined, no athletic ability, completely clueless as a mom, horrible cook....... ( I could go on)".
I ENVY (yes, it's a sin I struggle with) moms who seem to have it all together.
There are times I even feel pressure (usually I put it on myself) to do "religious acts" just to be accepted by other Christian woman.
Today, one of my student small group studies had me reading some in Colossians.
Colossians 2 deals with religious acts and pious behavior.
Paul is basically saying that on the outside these "rules" that they were obeying looked wise because to follow them it required extreme self denial.
(This goes back to me comparing myself to people who seem to look good on the outside..."have it all together").
The last sentence really stuck with me. It says,
"But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil thoughts.".
Having it all together and appearing to be righteous doesn't mean someone has arrived in their walk with Christ (Hello! Mary and Martha:).
Why would I compare myself with anyone or want to be like anyone?
Appearences are NOT everything.
I have no idea what struggles/sins other people are dealing with.
Christ never asks me to live my life according to the behavior and standards of other Christians.
Being up by 6, breakfast cooked, and hour in the Word, well mannered children, etc. does not mean that I am more spiritual than anyone else.
Colossians 3! Now this is where it gets really good (not that I don't love Colossians 2;).
I'm going to type it all out.
Okay, not really I'm just going to copy and paste from Bible Gateway.
You would too, don't lie.
It's toooo good for you to skip or be paraphrased in the Amanda version.
Colossians 2...
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your
5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
People, Colossians 3 is a passage that as the Church and as a Christ follower should just get us excited! There it is laid out in front of us (me:). It is encouragement for Godly living and where our true value and concerns should lie.
