Running Your Race Part 3 - Spiritual Comparison “Therefore, since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverence, the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrew 12:1-2 What Will Spiritual Comparison Do To You? Spiritual Comparison will Discourage you “When Peter saw him, he asked ‘Lord, what about him? Jesus answered. ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me’” John 21:20-22 Spiritual Comparison will Distract you “But few things are needed —or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 Spiritual Comparison will Distance you from God “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people —robbers, evildoers, adulterers —or even like this tax collector.” Luke 18:11 Pride and Shame Are Different Attitudes With A Similar Result…Distance From God Ways To Combat Lifestyle Comparison Recognize Your Starting Point “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I’ll give you in the name of Jesus Christ of Narzareth, walk.” Acts 3:6 Recognize Your Pace “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. Philippians 1:6 Recognize Your True Goal “fixing our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrew 12:2