“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. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”–Romans 12:3–5
The world around us is filled with voices that encourage us to put ourselves first. Advertising, entertainment, and even the news lift up those who promote themselves. In our day, it is common for people without any notable accomplishments to be famous for no other apparent reason than that they are famous. And this is held up as an achievement. The devil is delighted when we listen to any voice that promotes a message different than God does. Someone described the way the world’s advice conflicts with God’s commands this way:
Appetite says, “Be sensuous, enjoy yourself.”
Education says, “Be resourceful, expand yourself.”
Materialism says, “Be satisfied, please yourself.”
Psychology says, “Be confident, fulfill yourself.”
Humanism says, “Be capable, believe in yourself.”
Pride says, “Be superior, promote yourself.”
God says, “Be wise, humble yourself.”
The purpose of the Christian life is not self satisfaction. When we look around us and hold ourselves up as the standard of measurement, we are missing the point. Worse, we are falling into the trap of pride that inevitably leads to a downfall. Instead, we need to view ourselves the way God does—as valuable members of His work because of the gifts and abilities that He has given us. When we do that, we will not lift up ourselves, but instead will lift up the Lord. The view that we take of our role in God’s plan determines whether or not we will be found faithful and humble.
