The Standard

From the unquiet mind of C.S. Lyrics,

Some people actually think that they're better than you, better than me also. They may even by some standards be right. Understand however that better is a relative term. The world being competitive as it is, and getting more so daily, revolves around constant comparison. Not entirely wrong minded, except when it comes to certain absolutes that are not relative. Example: A 5 foot tall man in a room full of 3 foot tall children is tall. When a 7 foot tall man enters the room, the 5 foot tall man is by comparison, short, or at the very least, seemingly less tall. Conversely If a 3 month pregnant woman walks in a room she is no less pregnant when an 8 month pregnant woman walks in. She may be showing less but she will not be perceived as any less pregnant. They are both equally full of baby.
I think there is a connection between the constant comparison of people one with another and the lack of compassion and understanding that we show one another. As Christians, I believe we have fallen into the trend of comparing ourselves with one another. If we would be honest, I think we'd admit that we most often compare ourselves to people we perceive to be living less righteous, or less holy than ourselves. So, often times we talk about their shortcomings, look at their activities with a self righteous indignation, and privately congratulate ourselves for never having fallen so low. We frequently reserve our compassion for those we judge deserve it. How wrong headed. Comparison is not the problem however. The problem is what we are comparing ourselves with and measuring ourselves against. We should be judging ourselves by the standards which are Holiness, and Righteousness set by Jesus himself. These are not relative terms. They are absolutes. There is no such thing as less Holy, or more Holy, less Righteous or more Righteous. You are Holy or you are not. You are Righteous or you are not. Measuring ourselves against these absolute standards instead of with another person will yield different results. Internally, we will see how short we ourselves fall of the mark DAILY. Which in turn will stir up the compassion in us, one towards another, and forgiveness towards those that have wronged us personally. Competing with one another tears at the very fabric of what we believe in. Would opposing football teams help push each other into the end zone, or tackle one another to prevent a touchdown? How can we expect our minds to wrap around the concept of reaching out a hand to help.............. our COMPETITOR? We must change our perceptions friends. We must perceive each other as teammates. Then we will begin to see in ourselves, a desire to help and forgive one another. When you decide to measure yourself against something, make sure it is the standard of Holiness, set by Jesus himself. Not me, nor any other person that could use your compassionate prayers and understanding. Which when you look at it correctly.......... is each and every living soul.