In Romans 12.3, Paul says Christ followers must keep things in a proper perspective. That’s part of the transformed mind he urged each of us to have. There are really two major issues to bear in mind if we want to keep things in the right perspective: Remember who God is, and remember who we are.
That mindset can only lead to humility. The realization of who God is should keep us from thinking too highly of ourselves. Paul often used a word to describe this; sober-minded. A sober-minded Christ follower will neither think too highly of himself nor too lowly of himself. That is a problem for many. One day we are harsh and critical of ourselves, and the next day, lax and overly forgiving. Paul urges accurate judgment.
In his next breath, Paul explains one of the means to keep the right perspective, that is, God gives “spirituals” [gifts] to the body of Christ [12.4-8]. We need these gifts because we are not complete in ourselves. This is, again, where sober-mindedness comes to play. As we evaluate how God has gifted us to serve His body, we understand that we are vessels; it’s not us, it’s God working through us. There’s that humility thing again!
Realizing who we are and how God has gifted us to serve is the way we make the best contribution to the church, the body of Christ. So, be sober-minded in evaluating your gift. Likewise, be prayerful in evaluating the gifts of other Christ followers so they can best serve Christ also.
That mindset can only lead to humility. The realization of who God is should keep us from thinking too highly of ourselves. Paul often used a word to describe this; sober-minded. A sober-minded Christ follower will neither think too highly of himself nor too lowly of himself. That is a problem for many. One day we are harsh and critical of ourselves, and the next day, lax and overly forgiving. Paul urges accurate judgment.
In his next breath, Paul explains one of the means to keep the right perspective, that is, God gives “spirituals” [gifts] to the body of Christ [12.4-8]. We need these gifts because we are not complete in ourselves. This is, again, where sober-mindedness comes to play. As we evaluate how God has gifted us to serve His body, we understand that we are vessels; it’s not us, it’s God working through us. There’s that humility thing again!
Realizing who we are and how God has gifted us to serve is the way we make the best contribution to the church, the body of Christ. So, be sober-minded in evaluating your gift. Likewise, be prayerful in evaluating the gifts of other Christ followers so they can best serve Christ also.
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
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