For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. (2 Corinthians 10:12-13)
It is hard for me to completely follow Paul’s line of reasoning in 2 Corinthians 10. In some ways we are reading one side of a conversation. Paul is defending himself from attacks. We are not sure of the exact nature of the attacks but Paul does give us some hints.
Apparently there was a group of people at Corinth who were simply not impressed with Paul. They were unconvinced he was an apostle. They were unimpressed by his personal presence. And they thought themselves to be more “spiritual” than he was. This group stirred up problems in the Corinthian church because while many in the church wanted to follow Paul’s instructions; others thought, “Who is Paul to tell us what to do? We are more spiritual than him anyway.”
Paul has to address this problem in 2 Corinthians 10. And he basically says two things (or at least two things that I can see):
1. People who spend all their time comparing their spirituality to others are not wise (i.e., they are foolish and wasting their time). Paul says that it is pointless to be dragged into a “who is more spiritual?” contest. We are always biased in our assessment and it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends (2 Corinthians 10:18). My opinion about myself doesn’t really matter. It is God’s opinion of me that matters.
I sometimes wonder why we, as humans, spend so much time comparing ourselves with others. I guess we have no other visible mode of measurement. So if we want to determine if we are spiritual, we pick a few other people around us and start comparing–who prays more, who prays better, who knows more Bible verses, who witnesses more, who has saved more people, and on and on ad nauseum. It is a subtle trap but a trap nonetheless. Such comparisons amount to nothing except vain boasting and delusional spirituality. So next time you find yourself comparing your spirituality to another person…stop it!
2. I can only boast (if I must boast) about my faithfulness to the sphere of ministry that God has given me. In other words, comparing myself to other people is also pointless but God has given them a different responsibility than He has given me. If I read 2 Corinthians 10:13 correctly, Paul is saying that God has given each of us a “sphere of ministry.” We each are given a God-appointed ministry–a certain sphere of influence at a certain time and a certain place with a certain group of people. And we are called to be faithful in this sphere of ministry.
The best analogy I can think of is a football analogy. On a football team each player has a certain responsibility on the team. If a person is a lineman, then he has a certain block against a certain player that he is perform on a certain play. That is his responsibility and that is to be his focus. If instead the lineman spent all his time comparing himself to and critiquing other lineman or the wide receiver or the quarterback or the running back, he would be wasting his time. That’s not his calling. He is to be faithful to the task given to him and let the coach be the one who critiques and evaluates the other players.
The same is true in ministry. I must be faithful to the task God has given me. I must encourage, lead, witness to, admonish, pray for, help, comfort those people whom God brings into my life. That is my role in the body of Christ. That is my responsibility and my calling. My role is not to spend my time critiquing and evaluating you. That is our Coach’s role, Jesus Christ, not mine.
Of course, Paul is quick to add, But let him who boasts boast in the Lord. In other words, even if you feel you are faithful in accomplishing your task, give all the credit to God who worked through you to accomplish His will. There is never any room for pride and arrogance in the kingdom of God.
Lord, help me to be faithful to the sphere of ministry you have given me. Deliver me from the tendency to evaluate my performance and spirituality by comparing myself to others.