self-promotion and comparison

Before I finish my evaluation I am asking God to reveal the LOG in my own eye first.

There seems to be a flurry of self-promotion and comparison among Christians at the moment. I cannot tell if this is just my perception because of what the Lord is teaching me in this season. But I am uncomfortable hearing those who assert and promote themselves. Are they honoring God or are they setting themselves up for a fall? It sincerely raises concern in me. Equally concerning are those who compare themselves to others; sometimes concluding that they are "better than" others in an area, and at other times concluding that their life is so much harder than others. It seems to me that these Christians are doing themselves a harm and disservice. We need to remember that we really don't know that other person's full story, what they are fighting, what their needs are, what they have been through, and what is NOT being said, seen, or shared. 

I can’t tell if these things are bugging me because perhaps they are hidden flaws in my own character that God wants to bring into the light to be exposed and removed. Or if God is pointing these things out for me to commit to prayer and to encourage my sisters (and brothers when appropriate) to let go of anything thing that weighs them down in their pursuit of high calling of Christ Jesus.  For now, I asking God to examine my own heart to show me any wicked way and lead me on the path of righteousness for HIS namesake. I am also asking the Lord to mercifully shine a light on any error in my sisters and brothers lives, to bring all thoughts and words into unity and submission to Christ Jesus. 

I believe that self-promotion and comparison (especially when mixed with bitterness & offense) are sinful traps that our old man (sinful nature) easily fall prey to. 


I will continue to ask the Lord to give me insight and revelation, and to correct my words to encourage and bless and speak of Hope.

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As I edited this, the Lord revealed that I do compare myself to others.  (The Lord brought to remembrance a very specific situation from last night.)  I am grateful for His love that draws me to repentance and leads me forward to take hold of that for which He took hold of me.  I am also aware that my sisters and brothers in Christ fall into this same trap, and as I pray for mercy and forgiveness for myself I do so for others as well. May the Lord make us and keep us teachable, and transform us by the renewing of our minds through revelations from His Word and by the Power of His Holy Spirit, in accordance with the good and perfect Sovereign will of the Father.  Yes, make it so Lord.  Amen.