As I was helping my sister with her homework last night, I noticed that some of the problems she had to do were multiple-choice. I suggested that when she has to solve a multiple-choice problem but can’t quite figure out the solution, she should try getting the answer by going through each one individually and eliminating the wrong ones until she’s left with the right answer. This is what’s called “process of elimination” (POE).

Afterwards, I read the news that a famous televangelist was arrested for DUI. Neglecting the good things he’s done and focusing only on his mistake, I couldn’t help but think that this is someone I didn’t want to be like. Here I was also using POE – to answer who I should emulate to become a better person by eliminating this televangelist as an answer.

It’s so easy to neglect the good things we know about a person, and instead focus on what makes us perceive them negatively. Then, we try to not be like that person in that area and feel like this helps us grow.

But if the question is who we can emulate to grow and become a better person, don’t we already know the answer? The answer isn’t “Not the televangelist, not the co-worker, not Dave, not Abbey, not…” by POE, but simply “Jesus”. The more I read about Him as I’m reading through the Gospels, the more I realize just how perfect He is and worthy to emulate.

It isn’t just about efficiency. By comparing ourselves with other people, we are also fueling the flames of pride by not only seeing how we can become better than them, but failing to neglect how flawed we ourselves are.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think … Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.- Romans 12:3,16

Let’s focus on One to emulate and compare ourselves to; to become not just a better person, but to become more like Him.

By Solomon Choi