Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
—Romans 12:3
Some people love to talk about how well-educated they are or how successful they are or how wealthy they are. If you are having a discussion, whatever your story is, they will top your story. They know more than you do, and on and on it goes. They think they’re God’s gift to humanity.
But, as someone has pointed out, cemeteries are full of indispensable people. We’re not as great as we think we are.
The apostle Paul cautions us about this in Romans 12. He says, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us” (verse 3 NLT).
In other words, think clearly. Start with an honest self-evaluation. Have a balanced, realistic view of yourself.
The problem is that we sometimes envy the spiritual gifts that God gives to someone else. Maybe God has called you to preach, but you really want to be a musician and a worship leader. Or maybe you’re a worship leader and really want to be a preacher.
Perhaps you’re working behind the scenes, but you really want to lead the class. Or you’re leading the class but really want to be working behind the scenes.
If God gave you a gift, then develop and use your gift. It’s disobedient not to use it. Don’t think you’re better than you are. On the other hand, don’t think you’re worse than you are either. Instead, see yourself honestly. A balanced view of one’s self is the key to spiritual growth and the path to maturity.
God has given you a spiritual gift. So, receive and accept the gift, thank God for the gift, and start developing the gift in practical ways to honor Him and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And most of all… be content and thankful with the spiritual gift that God has given to you.
