I remember that when I was in the 6th grade I used to look with admiration and awe at high school football players. They were old enough to be heroes, and as far as I was concerned they were the biggest, fastest, and toughest guys around. But now I realize that it all depends on whose team you're playing for. Compared with the college or professional athletes of today, those fellows don't even rate.

Most things in life are like that. Whether we are healthy, muscular, attractive, or successful is relative. It all depends. With whom are we comparing ourselves?

So, with whom are we measuring ourselves as Christians? According to the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 10, we make a big mistake if we try to feel good about ourselves by comparing ourselves with the people around us (v.12). There's no future in that kind of thinking. You see, ultimately the value and meaning of anything in life depends on how the Lord sees us. Paul wrote that it's not the one who commends himself who is approved, "but whom the Lord commends" (v.18). It's God's judgment that really matters.

Paul was content to serve his Savior faithfully and leave any praise of his life and work to God. Can the same be said of us?  — Mart De Haan