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Comparing Ourselves Among Ourselves
Article by Martin G. CollinsComparing ourselves to others often leads us down a path of misguided judgment and moral bankruptcy. Like Natalie, a young girl who evaluates her actions based on her peers, many justify their behavior by claiming they are not as bad as others. She admits to using drugs and engaging in other questionable activities, yet insists she is a good person because she has not committed the gravest of acts. This mindset reveals a tragic flaw in using human standards as a measure of righteousness. Such comparisons are unwise and rooted in pride. When we measure ourselves by ourselves or against those around us, we set a flawed and variable standard that deters true growth. Each of us lives under unique circumstances, facing different trials and growing at varied rates. A true and accurate comparison by another human being is impossible, as it misses the mark of perfection according to a higher truth. Judging our lives by how others live causes us to neglect serious problems in our own lives, aiming too low and in the wrong direction, providing self-justification with no resulting change or growth. Even in spiritual matters, this principle holds. If we compete only with those of equal or lesser ability, we cannot improve beyond their level. We must set our sights higher than mere humanity to attain godly character. Comparing ourselves among ourselves does not accomplish the goal of total renewal of our minds. Instead, it fosters complacency and pride, leading us to condemn others for failing to meet our self-established benchmarks, while ignoring our own flaws and sins, whether hidden or known. Only by evaluating ourselves against a pure and righteous standard can true overcoming and growth begin.
Doorway to the Kingdom
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAny time we feel prompted to exalt ourselves, we demonstrate Satan's spirit of pride, thereby jeopardizing our entry into God's family.
Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector reveals the dangers of comparing ourselves to others, highlighting the self-righteous attitude of the Pharisee who trusts in his own righteousness and despises others. The Pharisee's prayer is filled with disdain, as he elevates himself by pointing out the flaws of others, treating them as nothing, and showing no compassion or concern. His obsession with self is evident as he glories in what he is, what he does, and what he gives, using his prayer to commend himself while disdaining the tax collector instead of interceding for him. This attitude of comparison, rooted in pride, blinds him to his own inadequacies and prevents him from recognizing the true holiness of God. In contrast, the tax collector, by humbling himself and pleading for mercy, avoids such comparisons and leaves justified, demonstrating that genuine humility before Him is the path to exaltation.

Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughPride is a destructive force that divides and fosters conflict, and God devotes the Day of Atonement to impress upon us the need to remove it from our hearts. He emphasizes that unity and an end to fighting will not occur until we are humbled, a process that may involve significant pain. Pride deceives us into believing in our self-sufficiency, leading us to resist Him rather than seek to be like Him. It causes us to disregard the needs of others, to run over them in pursuit of personal desires, and to speak with an unruly tongue that curses, lies, and offends, further preventing oneness. Arrogance and wrath often accompany pride, fueling division and fighting, while pride's association with substance abuse turns us away from godliness to focus on the self, driving families and communities apart. Humility, however, is the key to unity with Him and with our brethren, achieved by each person cleaning up their character and humbling themselves before Him, rather than judging others critically and creating separation. On the Day of Atonement, as we fast and afflict ourselves, we are reminded of our insufficiency without His generous and life-giving blessings, driving us to humble submission in prayer, recognizing that only He can supply what we truly need to fulfill His purpose and our hope.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Four): Favor to Live as God Lives
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe earn God's favor by obedience; there is a direct tie between submission to His will and His favor. The more one submits, the more favor and grace accrues.
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasBriars, thistles, thorns, and weeds are visible emblems of sin or its consequences, which we must pull up by the roots for the balance of our physical life.
Give God Something to Bless
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonWe are not puppets whom God and Satan are fighting to take control over. We are fighting carnal nature and must always take action to give our hearts to God.
On Self-Righteousness
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughSelf-righteousness lies at the root of many other sins. Because we are self-centered, self-righteousness will follow as surely as water runs downhill.
Overcoming (Part 3): Self-Righteousness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsOn the heels of self-deception and self-justification often comes self-righteousness. This occurs when we set our own standards rather than God's.
The Case Against Pride
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThree symptoms of pride include (1) lying to protect our self-image; (2) competitiveness; (3) believing our personal ideas are more valuable than God's Truth.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part One): To the Beaten
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod's people may fall into the trap of forgetting the sinful past from which God rescued them and come to look disdainfully on those not yet called.
Delusions of Perfection
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe need to exercise humility and forbearance when we deal with the weaknesses of our brethren, restoring them in love as we would expect them to do for us.

The Problem with Pride
Sermon by Ryan McClureLiving by 'No pride, no problem' eliminates the grief associated with placing our desires over God's will for us when facing demotions or loss of status.
Unlovable
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityIf God's people do not believe they are lovable, they may deprive others of a blessing by refusing to accept charitable help from a spiritual sibling.
More Righteous Than the Pharisees?
Sermon by John O. ReidThe Pharisees were in the office or seat of Moses. Jesus taught His followers to follow their words (pertaining to the Law of God), but not their personal examples.

Pride, Contention, and Unity
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe sin of pride underlies many of our other sins, and it is often the reason for the contentions we get into as brethren.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must have both perseverance and humility in prayer to keep our vision sharp and clear. Without humility, the doorway to acceptance by God is closed.
Parables of Luke 15 (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe three illustrations in Luke 15 justify Christ's conduct in receiving sinners, and show that to rejoice over their return is good and proper.

Specks as Mirrors
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasOur ability to see the specks in others' eyes may indicate spiritual deficiencies in ourselves, as we project our own sins onto others.
Human Will
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's children should never emulate the self-willed attitude Frank Sinatra's song "My Way" glorifies. Human nature and godly character are polar opposites.

What Does 'Examine Yourselves' Mean?
'Ready Answer' by StaffChristians prepare for Passover by engaging in a thorough, spiritual self-examination. An analysis of II Corinthians 13:5 shows us how to go about it.
Faith (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe hallmark of Christian character is humility, which comes about only when one sees himself in comparison to God. Pride makes distorted comparisons.
The Beatitudes, Part Two: Poor in Spirit
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhat is it to be poor in spirit? This attribute is foundational to Christian living. Those who are truly poor in spirit are on the road to true spiritual riches.
Pride, Humility, and Fasting
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe intent of fasting is to deflate our pride—the major taproot of sin—the biggest deterrent to a positive relationship with God. Humility heals the breach.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride elevates one above God, denigrating any dependence upon God, replacing it with self-idolatry. We ought to boast or glory in the Lord instead of ourselves.
Infected?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickJesus warned His disciples to cease pretending to be better than they are, focusing on the faults of others while whitewashing and justifying one's own.
Faith (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride is a perverted comparison that elevates one above another. Because of its arrogant self-sufficiency, it hinders our faith. Faith depends on humility.
Are We Ever Good Enough?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is necessary to begin with a conviction of sin in order to experience a need for Jesus Christ and to receive the joy in the forgiveness of sin.
The Secret Sin Everyone Commits
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSelf-righteous people tend to trust in their own heart, be wise in their own eyes, justify themselves, despise or disregard others, and judge or condemn others.
The Weightier Matters (Part 3): Mercy
Article by StaffMany have a love-hate relationship with mercy: They love to receive it, but hate to give it! Here is why we should lean toward mercy in all our judgments.
Miriam: Prophetess and Leader
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingMiriam resembles every one of us as potential leaders. When she learned her lesson about pride, Miriam achieved the same exalted stature as Moses and Aaron.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe may find God's means of correction discouraging, but when we place His actions in context with His overall plan, we can find peace in God's sovereignty.
Is There a True Church?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany 'church of God' organizations claim to be part of—or even the only—church of God. The Bible reveals specific characteristics of God's church.
Jude and the Glorious Power of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAttributing the messages of God's spokesmen as coming from Satan constitutes speaking evil of dignitaries. Jude emphasizes submission to divine authority.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride leads to destruction, tricking us into thinking we deserve better than we have. Paradoxically, pride is a mark of inferiority, causing overcompensation.