I cannot tell how many times I have heard a Christian esteem another and judge themselves with a term similar to this, "He is a better Christian than me."
Such a judgment has sometimes led to one being motivated to grow in the cause of Christ. As often and perhaps more often it leads to compromise or other weaker spiritual traits. Who is to say that they are a better Christian? By what criteria do we make such a judgment? Is one a better Christian because
• They win more people to the Lord?
• They spend more time in the Bible?
• They are less likely to display tendencies of the flesh?
After all I have heard some Christians claim that Mormons are better Christians than they are. Mormons are not Christians at all!
And then when did we get Biblical authority to judge one a better Christian than another? The Bible says 2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
It is never safe to compare ourselves among ourselves but would do best to keep our eyes upon the Lord. He is the measure by which we want to place ourselves.
I tend to think that the comparing of our Christianity with that of another person is based rather on our own sense of failure in the Christian life. Which one of us feels like we
• Pray enough?
• Witness enough?
• Know our Bibles well enough?
The most telling though is this, who is it who believes His relationship with Christ is essential and real enough?
We all wrestle with the flesh and we know it. We know it well enough that we certainly want to avoid letting others know it. And here is the thing: that guy who is a better Christian than we are; he's got the same tension inside him we do.
He probably thinks we are better Christians than he is.
Marvin McKenzie
In the field
Such a judgment has sometimes led to one being motivated to grow in the cause of Christ. As often and perhaps more often it leads to compromise or other weaker spiritual traits. Who is to say that they are a better Christian? By what criteria do we make such a judgment? Is one a better Christian because
• They win more people to the Lord?
• They spend more time in the Bible?
• They are less likely to display tendencies of the flesh?
After all I have heard some Christians claim that Mormons are better Christians than they are. Mormons are not Christians at all!
And then when did we get Biblical authority to judge one a better Christian than another? The Bible says 2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
It is never safe to compare ourselves among ourselves but would do best to keep our eyes upon the Lord. He is the measure by which we want to place ourselves.
I tend to think that the comparing of our Christianity with that of another person is based rather on our own sense of failure in the Christian life. Which one of us feels like we
• Pray enough?
• Witness enough?
• Know our Bibles well enough?
The most telling though is this, who is it who believes His relationship with Christ is essential and real enough?
We all wrestle with the flesh and we know it. We know it well enough that we certainly want to avoid letting others know it. And here is the thing: that guy who is a better Christian than we are; he's got the same tension inside him we do.
He probably thinks we are better Christians than he is.
Marvin McKenzie
In the field
