“For I say, through the
grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more
highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each
one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3 NKJV
I would like to hone in on the idea of being
“high-minded” or arrogant regarding your own wisdom and/or abilities. Understand that no one is indispensible and
thinking more highly of yourself then you ought to is a sin. We are to be modest and sober-minded in all
we say and do. If we give a serious and
just estimate of ourselves to others we will be respected and trusted. Being
sober-minded leads to humility and self-control. The starting point for all this is our
surrender to God. If we truly grasp who
God is, what He is capable of and what He has said He would do, we would have
an earnest desire to know Him even as we are known.
Overestimating
ones gifts and talents in a church setting can end up causing problems. It takes a calling with special spiritual
gifts and talents to lead. Being a servant is the result of a humble heart. It
matters little who leads or who follows, for our reward is in heaven and not here
on earth. Seeking earthly rewards is
like throwing a dart and missing the dartboard altogether. Worldly adulation is short lived. Seeking God’s acceptance and forgiveness is
far more rewarding than any temporal prize could ever be.
Remember,
self-elevation will always make you look foolish. This isn’t a show; it’s your life. Make the most of it by reading God’s word and
emulating what you have read. Christ is
our example of how we are to act. Focus
on Him and lay aside all personal goals not in line with the will of God. Until Christ returns, walk with the King and
be a blessing!
Resources:
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers; MacLaren’s Expositions;
Expositor's Greek Testament; Barnes Notes on the Bible; Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Bible Commentary & Matthew Poole's Commentary.
