Right Thinking About Ourselves

-July 2, 2023-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,

“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).

The stars and planets know their place, as do all the trees, flowers, insects, animals, yes everything in God’s creation. Mankind is the only one that has a problem with pride and self-will. We who were created by God for His glory have pride. So many times we think we are better than others. We look down on those less fortunate than ourselves and compare ourselves to others.

God knows how to humble us. Paul tells two important things: not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, but to to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” There is an appropriate expression from the old west, “Come down from your high horse.” The Lord must bring us through fiery trials in order to refine us and make us like Christ.

Repentance is agreeing with God against ourselves and turning from our sins to Him. We should always remember where we came from and where we are going. Everything we know, God has taught us; everything we own, He has given to us and belongs to Him; and every success or victory we experience is because of Him. We get into all sorts of trouble when we forget these things. We start to take the credit and the Lord has to humble us.

Every believer in Christ is equal in Christ. We are brothers and sisters, fellow saints, and members of the body of Christ. This right thinking about ourselves is vital. The Scriptures also teach led how important we are to the Lord and His service. We need balance like a scale with two sides. We should not think of ourselves too high or too low.

This is why Paul added, “but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” In the story of Superman, there were times when he was Clark Kent, an ordinary man and newspaper reporter; other times he was Superman, a superhero. The former represent our normal daily lives of work, school, retirement, or homemaking. Other times, much fewer, the Lord gives us some big, challenging, and important thing to do for Him which tests us.

Jesus told His disciples, “I am the vine, you are the branches, He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). We must abide in our Lord, relying fully on Him. Paul said in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Both verses are saying the same thing: we need Christ to live His life through us and empower us to do great things for Him.

Let us then have the right thinking of ourselves and we remember it is all about the Lord Jesus and about us. It is humbling yet encouraging. Have a blessed day treating others as Christ treats us; and loving others as He loves us. Stay safe and healthy.

Only looking down on others if we are lifting them up,

Dean