Playing the comparison Game

Read Isaiah 6.

The Apostle Paul warned about comparisons.  "But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." (2 Corinthians 10:12)

Comparisons involve taking at least two things and making a decision about their similarities or differences.  Often, it is a choice between the good and the better.  The one comparing makes a personal judgment as to which has the most benefits for them.  But then there are those times, after considering the options, truly there is no comparison.

We may feel that we are better than others because of our possessions or performance.  Or, we may feel bad because we just don't measure up against someone else.  In doing so, we allow others to be our standard.

Living in a sinful world that is increasingly headed for the judgment of God, we who know Christ and endeavor to serve Him may feel "better than" others.  We know the truth and understand a few things about life and eternity.  Isaiah was a prophet of the LORD who ministered in a corrupt and doomed kingdom.  God gave him direct messages through divine visions.  He was a faithful man to his death.  But, one day in a vision, God pulled back the curtain and allowed Isaiah to see something he had never seen.  It was a new comparison.

1. What he saw.
Though the nation had rejected God, nonetheless, He is sitting in His rightful place as Sovereign.  Though the nation limited their perception of God, His glory filled the place.  In great contrast to the nation, and even himself, Isaiah saw the LORD in all His holiness.  Purity.  No sin.  Perfection.

2. How he felt.
When standing in the presence of God, Isaiah felt as sinful as anyone else.  His accountability to God for his sin brought such guilt that it humbled him to the point of despair.  He admitted aloud his condition.  What could he do?  The answer is nothing.  There is nothing a person can do to cleanse their sin and stand right before God.  God Himself must intervene.  Upon his confession of sin, it was the provision of the LORD that touched and changed his life.  There is nothing a sinful person can do to cleanse themselves.  Only a holy God can cleanse from sin.

3. What he did.
Having experienced God's forgiveness, he was now ready to fulfill his life purpose.  God had planned all along that Isaiah would meet a strategic need among the people.  God wanted to send him on a mission.  Humbled and grateful, Isaiah simply replied, "Here am I!  Send me."

One never will never know why they have been placed here on earth until they come to a personal encounter with the Living LORD.  Forgiveness gives us the freedom and understanding to serve others.