The Comparisons

Deuteronomy 1:43-2:8       1/16/2018

Moses recounted to the people the portion of their exodus from the failure to enter into the land until they had come upon the Edomites around the thirty-eighth year. He reminded the Israelites how God had caused them to circle in the highland of Seir for much of the exodus. He also reminded them how God had sworn not to give the Edomite territory to them because the Edomites were descendants of Esau, a son of Isaac, who had received this land from God as a part of Esau’s heritage.

God is Faithful to All

The heritage of one does not discount the heritage of another. God’s faithfulness to the Edomites took the form of a commitment not to allow Israel to overtake the descendants of Esau.

The scripture is hard on Esau – especially because he traded his birthright for a bowl of pottage. Yet, Esau forgave Jacob, even in his time of vulnerability. So God looked with favor on Esau’s descendants and protected them in the land of Seir.

God’s faithfulness wasn’t only to the children of Israel – but at least to all of the descendants of Abraham.

Comparing Blessings

It’s so easy to look around and imagine that others have it better. When I see the benefits and the good things that other people have – especially those material blessings that have not yet come to my family, the propensity is to compare myself.

How many the ways. The envy of believing that others do not deserve the blessings they have. The jealous desire to have the very same things. The self-righteous indignity of sour grapes; “this indulgence will lead them away from the Lord”. No matter how much I have. No matter how much blessing my family enjoys, someone else always seems to have more.

Stop Comparing

It’s easy to say “Stop Comparing”. But it’s compulsive – a compulsion. It’s built into my brain. Whether I put it there or whether it’s just part of the package doesn’t really matter. I have to deal with it.

This means refocusing my brains’ efforts. Focusing my attention. Seeing and interpreting things differently.

Do I really believe that God loves other people – that He wants what’s best for them – that He wants them in heaven. If so, do I want that with Him, or for Him? Because if I do, then there is no room for envy or jealously or inappropriate comparison.

There is merely an agreement with God to support His purposes in any way I can. And a recognition that He’s given circumstances to others that are likely to bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus – their hearts desire.

“Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves” Phil 2:3