Not that we [have the audacity to] venture to class or [even to] compare ourselves with some who exalt and furnish testimonials for themselves! However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely. 2 Corinthians 10:12 (AMPC)
Peer pressure is not a problem only found among teens. It affects every age group and social class. It even spans generations for it was alive and thriving in the Apostle Paul’s time more over in the church and even worse among church leaders. The pressure to be like everyone else around, to blend in, do what’s trending in order to fit in and be accepted in the crowd is an age-old bondage.
While there’s a healthy kind of imitation where we can look to those who set an inspiring example it’s self-limiting, imprisonment or burial when we are addicted to keeping up with the Joneses – that is trying to be like your neighbor or someone else.
In our opening scripture Paul tells us that in the Corinthian church there were certain assumed church leaders who came there and were measuring themselves with themselves and comparing themselves with one another. They were even questioning Paul’s credentials as an Apostle. But under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul writes to the Corinthians and lets us know that when people measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another they are without understanding and behaving unwisely. In other words, trying to be like everyone else is foolishness.
On the other hand, being your unique individual self is wise. It is freedom. Why be the cheap counterfeit copy of another when you can be the authentic original you? It’s only God who produces originals the rest are miserable copycats.
The Smith’s Literal Translation of the bible says in Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I was wonderfully distinguished: thy works are wonders, and my soul knew greatly.
You are wonderfully distinguished! To distinguish is to perceive a difference in.
The omniscient – all-seeing, all-knowing God perceives a wonderful difference in you! You are wonderfully different in every way! For you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalms 139:14. (NKJV). After High School in the gap year, I joined a youth fellowship at church. Now what was trending then was to engage the youth through dance. Being a Melancholy definitely, made me feel out of place. The leader wondered why anyone wouldn’t be excited about serving God through dance, well I wasn’t. It wasn’t my gift. Recognizing each of our gifts and uniqueness is key in ensuring we are not serving God out of competition. Do not measure yourself with others, do not compare yourself with another. It’s being without understanding and unwise.
Enjoy the freedom of being you. Revel in the liberty of your individual uniqueness.
Your personality, temperament are all one of a kind exceptional expression of God in you!