2 Corinthians 10:12-18: a reflection

12For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding. 13But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you. 14For we don’t stretch ourselves too much, as though we didn’t reach to you. For we came even as far as to you with the Good News of Christ, 15not boasting beyond proper limits in other men’s labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence, 16so as to preach the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done. 17But “he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.” 18For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

Paul refuses to play the game of self-promotion that some of his rivals were playing. Those who commend themselves, measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves with one another, are, he says, without understanding. Paul will not measure himself by comparison with others, nor boast in what others have done. Instead, he points to a different standard entirely: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord; for it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Notice the folly Paul names: measuring ourselves by comparison with others. Those who compare themselves with one another, sizing up who is ahead, who is more impressive, are, he says, without understanding, caught in an endless and pointless game. For the standard that matters is not how we compare with others, but whether the Lord commends us. Self-commendation and favorable comparison count for nothing; the only approval that matters is God's.

That frees us from a wearying habit. We are prone to measure ourselves constantly against others, comparing our achievements, status, and standing, feeling superior or inferior depending on the comparison. But this is, Paul says, without understanding; it is not the measure that matters. The one whose life counts is not the one who compares favorably with others or commends himself, but the one whom the Lord commends. Stop measuring yourself by comparison with others; it is a game without end or profit. Seek instead the approval of God, and let his commendation, not your standing among others, be what you live for. Boast not in yourself or in comparison, but in the Lord, and seek the only approval that finally matters, his.

Lord, Paul refused to measure himself by comparison with others, calling those who compare themselves with one another without understanding; and he pointed instead to a different standard: let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord, for it is the one whom the Lord commends who is approved. Free me from the wearying habit of comparison. I am prone to measure myself constantly against others, comparing my achievements, status, and standing, feeling superior or inferior depending on the comparison. But this is without understanding; it is not the measure that matters. The one whose life counts is not the one who compares favorably or commends himself, but the one whom you commend. Help me stop measuring myself by comparison with others, a game without end or profit. Help me seek instead your approval, and let your commendation, not my standing among others, be what I live for. Let me boast not in myself or in comparison, but in you, and seek the only approval that finally matters, yours.