By: Jean-Daniel Plüss, President, Fondation du Forum Chrétien Mondial
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense.” (2 Corinthians 10:12)
As nations across the globe are fighting the current pandemic it seems inevitable that the media make a lot of comparisons. Granted, it might be helpful to get informed how others have tackled these health and economic challenges and draw lessons from them. Many people, though, see comparisons as an occasion to boast portraying their government, health services etc. as having responded best. But let us pause for a while and remember all those people who suffer in one way or other in this situation. Many wish they had better help available and be it as basic as having enough to eat and drink as they are under lockdown and are not able to earn a living. Let us remember, all human beings are God’s creation. In fact we are all in this together.
The Apostle Paul experienced being compared to others on numerous occasions as we read in the passage above. How did he respond? Did he boast as if he were in competition with others? For him it was clear what really matters. We see this when he wrote to the Christians in Galatia who were also comparing themselves to others. What was important to him? “Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
Perhaps you would like to join us in prayer saying, “Lord Jesus Christ, show me how I can be a servant of yours to people in need today.” Perhaps your mind and heart reminds you of having played the ‘comparing game’ with regard to other churches and you wish to confess, “Eternal God, I thank you for the living diversity in your church, the Body of Christ. Help me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be a witness of the Gospel right where you have placed me.”
