2 Corinthians 10 & 11

When we compare ourselves to others, or if we compare others to even others, it is always a sliding scale. We compare favorably to some, and others are obviously more talented, gifted, connected or successful than we are. It is easy to say about the person you know and see al the time that they don't stack up well when compared to someone you only see occasionally. Paul was no stranger to that sort of thing. Folks complained that Paul was a boring speaker, or that he only got bold from a distance, and that others were building bigger groups than he was. Some who elevated themselves were teaching false doctrines and raised a lot of money by giving messages that people liked to hear. Sound familiar? That still goes on today. But Paul committed to a life of integrity and boasted only in his salvation through Christ. He made it available to any who would hear. He did it because he was compelled by his understanding of Jesus' call on his life and not to make the big bucks. He didn't do the crowd pleasing thing, but people are still being led to Christ through his teaching. The others are not even remembered.