“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” [Galatians 6:3-7 NIV]
Photo by Steve Ford
I love this piece of Scripture. How many of us compare ourselves to others all the time? Either in the positive — thinking we are doing much better than them, or in the negative — thinking we are nowhere near good enough. Both of these, when stripped back to their roots are based in pride. The sinful kind of pride, a kind of self-deception.
But according to this passage, we should not compare ourselves to others, but only to ourselves. We need to be able to look at ourselves with honest scrutiny, admit our faults, acknowledge our strengths. Then we can work on improving our weaknesses and use our gifts and talents to produce fruit in our lives.
The warning comes at the end of this verse. Because if we cannot be honest with ourselves, though we might fool others into thinking we are something we are not, God sees all. He knows our heart and He cannot be made a fool of. The way we sow into our lives and those around us, is the way we will reap, whether we live a life of pretense or not.
What kind of lie have you told yourself about yourself lately? Perhaps it is time to admit the truth and make a change.
Romancing The Rock 
awesome Amanda. it is always good to have a good look at ourselves. true peace comes from being authentic with ourselves and with God. He sees all anyway, so why not just tell Him what we see in ourselves that needs changing, then HE will give us the strength to change… God is so good!
Our inner being is so complex, I thank God that He doesn’t show me everything that needs to change at the same time! I would be overwhelmed. we need to be gentle on ourselves when we see our faults and realize that some things take time to heal. Everything in our lives has a root to it… sometimes we need to nurture the root, other times we need to actively chop it off and dig it out…
Thanks Helan. Some people don’t realise that looking at yourself unrealistically in a negative light is just as bad as being overly boastful. We have to get real and acknowledge the good and the bad. XXOO
I really enjoy pondering the lies my heroine or hero carry around. How this keeps them from their true potential. But it’s harder to pin point our own baggage, especially when it means keeping our eyes on ourselves, rather than look to others in comparison. A great reminder to know who and where we stand in Christ. Thank you. xx
So true Dorothy. We do know all this on behalf of our characters, don’t we, but it’s much harder to apply to ourselves. 🙂