The Book Nook at Zion is nominally a “children’s library”, but don’t let that keep you from visiting. This week I checked out a 2-DVD set “Teddy Roosevelt: An American Lion”, which was produced by The History Channel. “TR”, as he was known, was an astonishing man of enormous energy and purpose. God was gracious to our country in raising up such a man. He fought corruption, opposed the monopolistic abuses of big business, established National Forests and Parks to preserve disappearing resources, and started the Panama Canal. All before he was 50. He had a large family and was famously undignified playing with his children. There are few of his measure today.

When I read (or watch) the biography of such a man, I can’t help but take a personal measure, and I always notice lots of ways that I compare unfavorably. I have had similar feelings recently as I read through a pile of old letters from 1941 and 1942 from my parents attic as they prepare to move out of their house of 50 years. My father excelled in many ways. His family was proud of him. In one letter, his older brother complimented him on one of his recent achievements and closed his letter with the remark, “you did better than I did.” It was a simple, honest compliment without rivalry or resentment. And as I compare the accomplishments of my father with my own record, I share the feeling: he did better than I have.

Someplace in here this kind of reflection and comparison can become sinful. Paul says “”… when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” (2 Cor. 10:12) As Pastor Stu reminded us a few weeks ago, Jesus rebuked Peter for asking about the role and ministry of John: “What is that to thee? Follow thou me.”

Examples can inspire. Comparisons can cripple. TR would say, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” May God help us to encourage one another to love and good deeds. And may God keep us from comparing ourselves to one another.