When I went to my first Way Ministry fellowship, the believers took me in and accepted me for who I was. When I became born again of God’s spirit, God accepted me for who I was, and I then had fellowship with Him, freely. Yet, as I continued in life, I sometimes looked around at others and developed feelings of inferiority or even superiority. I would sometimes think that I was not as good as other people or that I was better than others. Feelings of inferiority or superiority come from comparing ourselves to others. We can overcome feelings of inferiority or superiority by keeping our focus on the standards that God sets for us and declares of us in His Word.
We are to look at ourselves in light of what God says about us and not in light of how we compare to other people. It is noted in II Corinthians 10:12 that when we compare ourselves with others, we are not wise.
II Corinthians 10:12:
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.
“Compare” in this verse means to put together in order to judge. It is OK to notice qualities in others, like “he is smart,” but it is unwise to say, “He’s smarter than I am.” Neither of us is the proper standard of measure. Our standard of measure is what God says about us. Now, doesn’t that free our minds to focus on the will of God?
Our standard of measure is the Word of God. It tells us that spiritually every born-again believer has been given grace according to the same measure—the measure of the gift of Christ.
Ephesians 4:7:
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
God loves and highly values every one of His children. We all have the same measure of the gift of Christ, which is the gift of holy spirit. Yet, each believer is unique, with individual abilities, characteristics, and experiences.
At one time, I was in a fellowship with a woman who was always energetic and very bubbly. I was not. When we were moving on to different areas of service, I told her that I always wanted to be like her. She was surprised and said she wanted to be like me. She admired my peace and calm manner of living. You see, we are all unique members of God’s spiritual family. We can appreciate the unique qualities of others, but we don’t let our minds get out of bounds and put ourselves below or above another.
God has chosen us to be His children with unique functions in which to serve. As we carry out our particular function wholeheartedly, we can look at what others are doing or not doing and not hold on to feelings of inferiority or superiority. This can be a distraction from God’s will for our lives.
Even the Apostle Peter got distracted, as recorded in the Gospel of John. Peter was given great responsibility. But instead of focusing on his own responsibility, Peter began questioning Jesus on the responsibility of another disciple.
John 21:20-22:
Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Jesus, in essence, said: “Peter, quit worrying about everybody else. You carry out your own responsibility.”
Putting our focus on our own responsibilities with our heavenly Father helps us remain thankful and avoid comparing ourselves to others. If you want to be discouraged or distracted, look at other people and compare yourself to them. If you want to walk victoriously and freely, look at your heavenly calling and spiritual abilities as a son of God.
Feelings of inferiority and superiority come from comparing ourselves to others. By keeping our focus on our standard, what God declares of us, we can overcome those feelings.