Only God's Approval Matters

Only God's Approval Matters:

"Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others." (Galatians 6:4 CEV)

The Bible warns us never to compare ourselves with others (Galatians 6:4 CEV). There are two reasons why you should never compare yourself with anyone else: 

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  You will find someone who seems to be doing a better job than you, and you will become discouraged, or

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  You will find someone who doesn't seem as effective as you, and you will become full of pride. 

Either attitude will take you out of service and rob you of your job.

Paul said it is foolish to compare ourselves with others. He said, "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV).

The Message paraphrase says, "In all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point" (2 Corinthians 10:12b MSG).

You will find that people who do not understand your shape for ministry will criticize you and try to get you to conform to what they think you should be doing. Ignore them!

Paul often had to deal with critics who misunderstood and maligned his service. His response was always the same: Avoid comparisons, resist exaggerations, and seek only God's commendation. 

Talk About It

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  Are you doing the things God has called you to do? If you keep comparing yourself to others in ministry or in the workplace, what do you think that says about your perspective on your calling?

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  John Bunyan, the author of "Pilgrims Progress," said, "If my life is fruitless, it doesn't matter who praises me, and if my life is fruitful, it doesn't matter who criticizes me." Evaluate your life and the fruit you have or have not produced, and then apply this quote to your life.

Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and most influential churches. Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller "The Purpose Driven Life." His book, "The Purpose Driven Church," was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. He is also the founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for pastors. 

This devotional ©2012 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.