8/14 2 Corinthians 10:12

12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.


In the church, the leaders should be the servants of all. They serve the congregation by serving the Lord. It should be a position for the humble who have a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Their goal is to have those they serve follow the Lord more closely. While they may invite others to follow their way of life (1 Corinthians 11:1), they are not seeking to amass people devoted to themselves.

Human ego so easily sneaks its way into any positions of authority. Those with leadership skills will sometimes desire to lead a congregation in spite of their spiritual immaturity. Then they begin to highlight what they have done and accomplished. Paul's words suggest that doing so is a lack of understanding of godly authority.

Our worth or authority is not connected to what we accomplish. It's in our relationship with the Lord. It is His calling and anointing that make the difference. Worldly leadership and spiritual leadership have some things in common, but they are drastically different in many ways. In the body of Christ, leadership is just one part. It is honored, but it is of equal value to all the other parts of the body (1 Corinthians 12:11). Each part is special and valued for its uniqueness. That is why it is a lack of understanding to try to compare one part with another. All glory goes to the Lord for what He does through each member.

Consider: If we want to measure ourselves, we should compare ourselves to Jesus. Then we will see how much we need to grow.