Have you ever noticed how you're always the best driver on the road? If someone else is going too slow, they’re clueless and need to get off the road. If they’re speeding past everyone, they’re a danger to society. But you, well, you’ve got your reasons. You’re just driving with confidence and common sense.
Right?
That kind of thinking is akin to the Dunning-Kruger Effect. That's a psychological phenomenon where people with limited knowledge or ability overestimate themselves. At the same time, those same people underestimate more capable people. Depending on the ability, this unwarranted overconfidence can come with negative consequences.
And, when we're honest, that happens in our faith life too. Have you ever caught yourself being more graceful with yourself while demanding perfection from others? We see others' flaws as character issues or moral failures. Mine, though, are just me not being a perfect human being. Jesus called us out on this when he talked about the speck in your neighbor’s eye and the log in your own. It can be easier to notice someone else's mess than face our own need for transformation.
In Ephesians 4:17–24, Paul offers a similar reminder. He tells the church, "You must no longer walk as the Gentiles do." Then he follows it with this reminder: “That is not the way you learned Christ!” In other words, don’t point to the world to justify your behavior. Point to Jesus.
You’ve been taught in him. You know better. And now, you’re called to live better.
So, don't concern yourself with who you think is worse off than you. Especially to make yourself feel more righteous. Let Christ be your comparison. Ask: What do I need to put off? Where do I need renewal in the spirit of my mind?
