“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12

As a woman who stands at nearly 6’-0”, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with my height. Growing up in elementary school, I was always the tallest in my classes and it was pointed out often. Being a introvert at my core, I did not appreciate the attention drawn to that feature I was already self-conscious about. But once I reached Jr. High and much of school began revolving around athletics, all of a sudden my height became my source of confidence. With only four other girls in my class as tall as me trying out for basketball and volleyball, I began to feel pity for those who didn’t have my natural advantage. Since then I’ve been in various other situations where I know I have blatantly judged others for their small stature (especially when I started dating), but also times where I have felt completely insecure by mine own — preferring to fit in than stand out.

In God’s eyes, of course, our physical stature means nothing.

My own comparisons remind me of the ways people in the church carry themselves. Some mistakenly think of themselves as spiritual giants. Whether because of their notoriety, job title, age, or experience, these people may feel they are superior and outwardly express that. Of this misguided self-promotion, Paul wrote, “When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

Others may feel their spiritual growth is stunted because they don’t play a visible role. This is also wrong. Sometimes those who are growing the most may feel inferior to those who maintain a hypocritical facade of legalistic perfection. Spiritual comparisons are always unwise. Only the Lord is the true judge of spiritual growth.

Physical stature doesn’t matter, but our spiritual standing does. If you are feeling spiritually superior or inferior, ask God to give you the proper attitude. He is the true judge of the heart.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7