Two thoughts that will mingle into one thought.

A friend brought up today 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

It’s a trap we fall into– measuring our success as parents by looking at other people’s kids. The foolishness of this kind of standard results in pride when our children are the good ones, and pride of a different sort called despair when our children are the bad ones. Either case, we are not wise when we do this. This is the first thought.

And yet… at least for me… doesn’t it seem nearly impossible not to compare and measure? I might be tempted to retreat to my house and never interact with other families!

This brings us to our second thought. Ephesians 4:29 (and others) command us to edify, or build up, each other. We are supposed to deliberately encourage each other. Now, perhaps some see no need of being encouraged, but it seems that the need is assumed. I think it’s easy for moms to become isolated (either by design or circumstance), when we should be seeking out opportunities to interact with other moms.

So how is one to interact with others, not compare (and despair), and encourage each other, all at once? The single thought: humility. Humility keeps us from using the wrong measuring stick. It helps us recognize that others can teach us, even if we don’t always agree. Humility is gentle and peaceable. We must have humility to recognize our need to be encouraged, and we must have humility to stop loving ourselves so much that we don’t look for opportunities to be a blessing to others.

I don’t know about you, but I need more humility.

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