2 Corinthians 10:12; No Comparison

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.

MacDonald observed well, “It is obvious that the false teachers were in the habit of comparing themselves with others. They would hold up Paul before the gaze of the Corinthians in such a way as to make him a laughingstock.”

But the Apostle Paul was truthful to his confession of faith. He has not another face to hide himself. He was not a different person in his writing from who he was in person. His mission was his Master’s. He testified in Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” His life was to exalt his Master! He was an obedient to his Master call. What a blessed life!

It was a life lived by the grace of God.  Washington Gladden (1879) was the writer of the hymn “O Master Let Me Walk with Thee”. He articulated how a weak vessel needs to be surrendered to be fit for the Master’s use.

O Master, let me walk with Thee
in lowly paths of service free;
tell me Thy secret; help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.

2 Help me the slow of heart to move
by some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward way.

3 Teach me Thy patience, still with Thee
in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong.

4 In hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future’s broad’ning way;
in peace that only Thou canst give,
with Thee, O Master, let me live.

Amen.