comparing yourself to Jesus

[Hikarifuru]

Paul made the statements that implied he didnt and shouldnt compare himself to any man but rather to the God.

I feel like this is an interesting topic because christians usually assume that they can never be comparable to Jesus. If comparing yourself to your friend is unwise then why would you compare yourself to the divine and perfect man who you know you will never be comparable to?

I know that the god accepts you and it is the picture of holiness, not your neighbor. But isnt it confusing having goals that you have no expectation or even hope of completing? Isnt that a very destructive and entrapping cycle?

 

[graceandpeace]

Paul made the statements that implied he didnt and shouldnt compare himself to any man but rather to the God.

I feel like this is an interesting topic because christians usually assume that they can never be comparable to Jesus. If comparing yourself to your friend is unwise then why would you compare yourself to the divine and perfect man who you know you will never be comparable to?

I know that the god accepts you and it is the picture of holiness, not your neighbor. But isnt it confusing having goals that you have no expectation or even hope of completing? Isnt that a very destructive and entrapping cycle?

Jesus is our example of how to live - of what love & mercy looks like. We probably won't be miraculously healing the disabled or multiplying loaves of bread & fish, but we can do practical things to care for the sick & to feed the hungry. It's not so much about comparison in the sense of thinking we can somehow ever "measure up," but rather in hoping we can reflect His grace in real, tangible ways in what we say & do.

 

[Hetta]

Paul made the statements that implied he didnt and shouldnt compare himself to any man but rather to the God.

I feel like this is an interesting topic because christians usually assume that they can never be comparable to Jesus. If comparing yourself to your friend is unwise then why would you compare yourself to the divine and perfect man who you know you will never be comparable to?

I know that the god accepts you and it is the picture of holiness, not your neighbor. But isnt it confusing having goals that you have no expectation or even hope of completing? Isnt that a very destructive and entrapping cycle?

Darn. I wiped out my first response. :/

I don't ever think if aspiring to be like Christ. I used to think in those terms and it was as frustrating as you suspect, and I find even more frustrating those who think they have already made it, and are sin-free. God give me strength with those people.

I see Jesus as someone to admire and emulate. He is a good role model for meekness, humility, honesty, compassion - I could go on. I'm sure that you have someone that you look up to, who you admire and also emulate. Whether it's a family member or a friend, I don't know and I don't want to try and guess (and you don't have to answer.)

I don't feel at all trapped or frustrated the way that I think about things now.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Jesus is our example of how to live - of what love & mercy looks like. We probably won't be miraculously healing the disabled or multiplying loaves of bread & fish, but we can do practical things to care for the sick & to feed the hungry. It's not so much about comparison in the sense of thinking we can somehow ever "measure up," but rather in hoping we can reflect His grace in real, tangible ways in what we say & do.

Right. Jesus is our Teacher, our Rabboni as St. Mary calls Him. He is Lord, King, God, and Savior; He is also Teacher.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Joshua260]

Paul made the statements that implied he didnt and shouldnt compare himself to any man but rather to the God.

I feel like this is an interesting topic because christians usually assume that they can never be comparable to Jesus. If comparing yourself to your friend is unwise then why would you compare yourself to the divine and perfect man who you know you will never be comparable to?

I know that the god accepts you and it is the picture of holiness, not your neighbor. But isnt it confusing having goals that you have no expectation or even hope of completing? Isnt that a very destructive and entrapping cycle?

Can you cite the verses you're referring to?

 

[Hikarifuru]

Thanks everyone for offering your perspectives

 

[Sketcher]

Comparing ourselves to Christ always challenges us to be better people, because he is perfect. Christianity literally challenges you to be a better person every day until your earthly life expires.

 

[brinny]

Paul made the statements that implied he didnt and shouldnt compare himself to any man but rather to the God.

I feel like this is an interesting topic because christians usually assume that they can never be comparable to Jesus. If comparing yourself to your friend is unwise then why would you compare yourself to the divine and perfect man who you know you will never be comparable to?

I know that the god accepts you and it is the picture of holiness, not your neighbor. But isnt it confusing having goals that you have no expectation or even hope of completing? Isnt that a very destructive and entrapping cycle?

Hi. Where did Paul do this?

Thank you kindly.

 

[Hikarifuru]

As for references

I seem to have recalled some of these verses incorrectly.

This little page lists the verses i was referring to.

Bible Topics: Comparing yourself to others

 

[aiki]

Paul made the statements that implied he didnt and shouldnt compare himself to any man but rather to the God.

Which statements, exactly?

I feel like this is an interesting topic because christians usually assume that they can never be comparable to Jesus. If comparing yourself to your friend is unwise then why would you compare yourself to the divine and perfect man who you know you will never be comparable to?

We aren't instructed in Scripture to compare ourselves with Christ, but to "abide in him." He is the believer's Source of all things spiritual and divine. Every genuine follower of Christ is in him and he is in them. This is basic Christian doctrine.

I know that God accepts you and He is the picture of holiness, not your neighbor. But isnt it confusing having goals that you have no expectation or even hope of completing? Isnt that a very destructive and entrapping cycle?

Christ wasn't just an unachievable standard of perfection for the apostle Paul, but his very life. Paul understood that he was already made perfect in Christ and thus was acceptable to God. And what was true of Paul in this regard is true of all genuine born-again believers. So, any Christian believer who properly understands their own faith will not find frustration in pursuing the call of God to Christlikeness, but hopeful expectation and joy; for they realize that "it is God who works in (them) both to will and to do of His good pleasure."

Selah.

 

[Hikarifuru]

Thanks to everyone for providing their point of view.