The woman . . . said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” John 4:28-29

It’s tempting to get caught up in the comparison game. To look at others and say, “At least I don’t sin like that guy,” or “I’m doing better than she is.” But God doesn’t judge us based on what others are doing.

The woman at the well had been married five times and was now living with a man who wasn’t her husband. But Jesus didn’t say to her, “You’re a sinner. Don’t talk to Me.” Instead, Jesus told her He would provide her with water that never runs dry. And that notorious woman ultimately brought many Samaritans to Jesus.

Every person has potential and only God knows fully what that is. In the end, He rewards us on the basis of three criteria: i) how much truth you know, ii) what opportunities He gives you to express it, and iii) what your response is in those moments (what you do when the light goes on). So don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, obey Him faithfully in whatever He gives you to do, and He will do the rest.

Every Day in His Presence, Charles Stanley