Put Away the Measuring Stick

 

By Andrea Merrell

 

Until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Ephesians 4:13 NLT

 

I smiled when my daughter-in-law showed me a piece of door frame she had taken from her old house. It was used as a measuring stick to mark the growth of her three girls over several years.

A measuring stick can be useful for a number of things except when it comes to our growth in the Lord. The danger comes when we continually compare our knowledge and accomplishments with  others and even ourselves. In fact, the Bible says:

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV)

The truth is Jesus is our example, our standard. And our only gauge should be the Word of God.

One writer says that when we continually measure our worth to God by what we do (performance-based living), we will live in a constant state of regret, devoid of the Lord’s gifts of joy and peace.

So what is the answer? Put away your measuring stick and your checklist. Jesus didn’t ask Peter, “What did you do for me today?” Instead, He asked Peter, “Do you love me?”

He’s asking you the same question today. If the answer is a resounding yes, that’s all that matters.

Photo by Michael Myers on Unsplash