Death By Worship: The "Comparison" Idol

Comparison leads to a missed blessing. And no, I’m not talking about a “name it and claim it” prosperity gospel kind of earthly blessing. In Genesis, we see two brothers who both brought an offering to the Lord — one offering that was accepted while the other was rejected. “Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.” (Gen. 4:5-6) So what was the difference between the two offerings that made God accept one and not the other? The answer comes down to the heart. Abel’s offering was costly and pure, while Cain’s was ill-motivated. His response confirmed this sentiment as it was filled with resentment and jealousy that led to an anger so untamed that the death of his brother was his only seeable cure. The greatest blessing that God can give to his people is the gift of His active presence. With God, the relationship is the goal and worship is the answer for the darkness that so often grows in the soil of our hearts. When we focus more on the result of an offering to God rather than who the offering is for, we miss out on the blessing of God’s present communion.

"With God, the relationship is the goal and worship is the answer for the darkness that so often grows in the soil of our hearts."

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As a worship leader, comparison has many times become an idol in my own heart. I can recall moments in my life when I felt like my offering wasn’t as good as someone else’s — that my songs weren’t as good, my influence wasn’t as great, my accolades weren’t as many, and so on and so on. I’ve also found myself on the other side of the idolic issue, where I’ve felt like I’ve out-done someone else. The truth is, fighting for the best for the sake of being the best will consistently leave us feeling like the offering isn’t good enough. The enemy enjoys watching us aim our hearts in the wrong direction. I love how Paul continually reminded the early church of the power of comparison when he wrote, "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ,” (Gal. 1:10) “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts,” (1 Thes. 2:4) “Obey in everything not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” (Col. 3:22) When the applause of man is the loudest song in our hearts, the word of the Lord becomes like a faint whisper.

A Puritan once said:

“Compare yourself to Scripture, not to other men, for only in God's word will you find a true measure of your soul."

One of the greatest ways to combat the perils of earthly comparison is to compare our own hearts to the glory of Christ. When we see but a glimpse of the wonderful glory of God in the person of Jesus, the attention is removed from ourselves and others and onto our Maker. Our works are but filthy rags compared to the riches of Christ. Paul wrote, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord" (1 Cor. 1:31). When our measure of success is found in the works of Yahweh alone, the pressure to perform subsides and pure worship at the cross occurs — and isn’t that the goal on this side of heaven? We must point people not to the horizontal idolatrous facade of a better offering, but rather to the relational God of the universe through the lens of the mighty work of the gospel.

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Questions:

What are the areas in your life that you consistently compare to others?

Who are the people that you compare those things to?

Prayer:

Father, let my only comparison be to Your Holy Word. When my heart wanders to someone else’s grass, remind me of where You have planted me, and remember that everything that I need is found in the wounds of Your son, Jesus. Let my life’s offering be holy and pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.