Comparison

Today’s post is a little…okay, a lot…later than I planned. But here it is, nonetheless!

I compare.

I compare myself to other people. My personality, my appearance, and my preferences. Are they right? Are they acceptable? Do others approve?

I compare my parenting. Do I parent the right way? Are my children truly growing up well? Do I fail them because I skip so many things that are important to other godly parents?

I compare my work to the work of my peers. Do I really measure up as a pastor's wife? Do I homeschool as well as they do? Do I write the right way?

I compare my spiritual life to the spiritual giants in my life. Do I pray properly? Is my morning quiet time really good enough? What about my theological understanding and ability to carry on discussions and interact on essential matters? Most of all, what about my worship?

Oddly enough, a few verses from Haggai really hammered my comparison attitude recently.

The Jews had returned from exile. They had finally chosen to obediently work to rebuild the temple, but the new building was nothing like Solomon's magnificent structure. It was smaller, much less lavish, and much less grand. Instead of reflecting the great wealth God had bestowed upon Israel in those days, this new temple reflected their simplicity and poverty. Some who looked upon this new temple remembered the old one from their younger days, before the exile. Their hearts broke at the comparison. Could God really be pleased with such a pitiful place of worship, knowing what had existed before?

How I love God's response.

On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them,‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ Haggai 2:1-5 (emphasis mine)

The importance was not in the structure itself. It was in the focus of the people. Finally, they had chosen to put their time, energy, and strength into obedience. They had stepped away from their own personal affairs and come together to rebuild a center of worship. They could once again truly focus on what was most important: their God.

I know Scripture says that the people delayed rebuilding the temple because they were focused on their own land, but I wonder if the delay began with a dread. Maybe they never really realized they dreaded rebuilding the temple, but I wonder if it was there anyway. Did they anticipate the comparison? Did the fear of comparison prevent them from doing what they were supposed to do?

It does for me. Every time I read these verses, though, I am reminded that it is not about the comparisons. It is about Almighty God and His presence! And when I dive in and put my heart, soul, mind, and strength into what I must do to accomplish worship, He proves it, reminding me of the same truth He gave to His people so many centuries ago.

I AM WITH YOU.