According to Webster, the expression “Keeping up with the Joneses” means “showing that one is as good as other people by getting what they have and doing what they do.” Of course, the expression usually refers to “things” or “possessions.” It actually is a form of covetousness. But the expression also seeps into the lives of Christians who try to appear as committed to Christ as some other person(s). The Apostle Paul warns us:
For we do not presume to rank or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they have no understanding. (2 Corinthians 10:12)
Our quest as believers is not to be like anyone else but Jesus Christ…and being like Jesus means we are not interested in “keeping up” with anyone, but allowing the Person of the Holy Spirit to take control of our individual lives for the purpose of ministering to and evangelizing those around us. The Christian life is not competition, not comparison, but rather, humble ambassadorship, service, and servanthood. This is Chamber’s point in today’s My Utmost for His Highest:
“Christian perfection is not, and never can be, human perfection. Christian perfection is the perfection of a relationship with God that shows itself to be true even amid the seemingly unimportant aspects of human life. When you obey the call of Jesus Christ, the first thing that hits you is the pointlessness of the things you have to do. The next thought that strikes you is that other people seem to be living perfectly consistent lives. Such lives may leave you with the idea that God is unnecessary – that through your own human effort and devotion you can attain God’s standard for your life. In a fallen world this can never be done. I am called to live in such a perfect relationship with God that my life produces a yearning for God in the lives of others, not admiration for myself. Thoughts about myself hinder my usefulness to God. God’s purpose is not to perfect me to make me a trophy in His showcase; He is getting me to the place where He can use me. Let Him do what He wants.”
God wants us to quit using others as some kind of standard of how things should be in our lives, but rather, be sensitive and obedient to what God calls us to be and do no matter to what and where He directs us. At the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:7-15), the issue will not be a comparison with anyone else. The issue will be…were we being true and faithful to our Lord Jesus. My prayer for you and me this morning is this: Lord, keep us close to You… closer than anyone else around us. May our focus be on how You want to use us in the lives of others. We don’t care about the “Joneses,” we care about Your purpose for our lives wherever You may lead. Keep us humble and mindful of what Jesus taught His disciples:
25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. 26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become [c]prominent among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave. (Matthew 20)
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