One of the greatest challenges in the Christian life is learning to see ourselves the way God sees us. We live in a world that constantly encourages us to think more of ourselves, promote ourselves, and make sure everyone knows what we have accomplished. But Paul reminds us that a follower of Christ should have a humble heart.
Paul is not telling us to think poorly of ourselves. He is telling us not to think too highly of ourselves. There is a difference between having confidence in what God has given us and becoming proud of what we have accomplished.
Everything we have is a gift from God. Our abilities, opportunities, talents, and even our faith are reasons to give Him glory rather than take credit for ourselves.
Sometimes the greatest evidence of spiritual maturity is not how highly we think of ourselves, but how willingly we serve others.
A thought to remember:
You don't have to make yourself look important when you know you are important to God. A humble heart understands that everything we are and everything we have is because of His grace.
Something to think about today:
Am I living my life trying to make people see how important I am, or am I living my life trying to show people how important God is?
The higher we lift ourselves, the less room we leave for God to receive the glory.
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." — Romans 12:3 (KJV)
The J.B. Phillips Translation of Romans 12:3 reads:
As your spiritual teacher I give this piece of advice to each one of you. Don't cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith that God has given to you all."