Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
– 2 Corinthians 10:12
All cultures and societies have some degree of an imposed standard, a measuring stick so to speak. Some are more overt while others are closer to an unwritten rule. Whether this is intentional or it simply evolves, the norms that influence the customs of a nation or ethnicity become apparent. At its most basic level, it becomes an accepted standard of measure.
As history tells us, there can be negative effects with any imposed standard of measure. The most evident of these is the inevitable establishment of a class system. Again, throughout history we see some in society elevated simply because of birthright or social status while many are depressed into a peasant, servant or slave role. From this point, bigotry and racism are but a short step away.
The basis of many wars and oppression are founded in some degree of an imposed social measurement. To a believer, this should come as little surprise. The prince of this world seeks to deceive and divide mankind. One of his primary tactics is tempting us with pride and envy, two edges of the same sword. Tragically, this tactic is not only effective from a nationalistic or ethnic standpoint, but it is also prevalent in our personal lives.
The main difference here is that one is culturally imposed while the other is self induced. Without a firm foundation, it becomes easy to over inflate or conversely devalue ourselves or those around us. This brings us back to the issue of pride and envy. The results are predictable, we either think too highly of ourselves or we find fault in everything we do or are.
How did we ever get to a place where the standard of measure has become such an effective weapon bringing division amongst each other as well as within ourselves?
As a follower of Christ, one of the wonderful changes that occurs is that we are no longer bound to a worldly, sinful, fallen standard. When we are born in Christ, not only are we a new creation, the old measuring stick is abolished. Because of the Holy Spirit, we move away from how the world sees us or even how we see ourselves and begin to see ourselves through God’s eyes. Not only does the Father see Christ in us, we see Christ in us and in our brothers and sisters in the faith. However, we must guard against falling back into our old ways.
One of the most important questions we need to be asking ourselves is, what or who am I measuring myself against? Paul becomes a relatable example here. Before his radical encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul had every reason to elevate himself above those around him. When Paul met Christ, a humbling followed his surrender and with that a new measuring stick was given to him.
Consider Paul’s words to the Philippians found in chapter 2 verses 3 and 4, Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but 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.
The new standard of measure that we receive when we are born again is summed up in the Great Commandment, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.
What measuring stick are you using in your life?
