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I. First, then, let us bring this question of comparison TO THE TESTING OF CHARACTER. We compare ourselves with others and say, "I am as good as ordinary Christians." What is wanted is not just "ordinary Christians." We ought each to pray with Wesley, "Lord, make me an extraordinary Christian." Average Christians comparing themselves with average Christians may think they are about right.

II. Again, how practical this is FOR TESTING THE MEASURE OF OUR SELF-SACRIFICE. Many people want to get to heaven as cheaply as they can. A man sees his neighbour do certain things on the Sabbath, therefore he claims a right to do them.

III. Once more, let this serve FOR TESTING THE MEASURE OF OUR ZEAL AND CONSECRATION IN GOD'S SERVICE. As to work. Do you compare yourself with others? Are you ever tempted to say, "I do as much as my neighbour; I do not like to push myself forward; I never like to seem to take the lead!" Such feelings are born purely of a tendency to compare ourselves among ourselves. Let us try to be of the utmost use in the world.

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KJV: 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.

WEB: For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.