October 16, 2023

Galatians 6: 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else. (NIV)

The reason why there is so little self-condemnation is because there is so little self-examination.*

There is no upside to comparing yourself to others. There is only despair if you don’t measure up, and pride – sinful pride – if you surpass them. It’s lose-lose. In fact, comparing yourself to another actually involves a third element: the standard to which you hold others and yourself. Without that standard, how do you know if either of you is good or bad?

Testing your own actions is futile if you haven’t established a standard with which to compare yourself. Your opinion of yourself is immaterial. Your conscience is unreliable. The world has some standards of right and wrong, good and bad, but they tend to be weak and changeable. The only infallible standard is the Word of God and the example set by Jesus Christ.

Once you stop looking at how others are failing, you are ready for some self-examination. This testing of your own actions is not a one-time event. It should be part of your daily routine. As you search the Word to see how you measure up, you might ask:

• What does God expect of me? How do I measure up to his expectations? 
• What am I doing right? What am I doing wrong? How can I improve? 
• Does my attitude reflect the heart of Jesus? 
• What would Jesus do if he were faced with the same decisions and dilemmas that I face?

One commentator observed that a man looking to himself alone is not likely to find cause for glorying in himself.* But Paul indicates here that it is possible – and appropriate – to take some pride in yourself. Count on the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and provide power, and, if you are faithful, you will have fleeting moments of glory!

We see ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word.*