Romans 12:3: I Say To Everyone Among You Not To Think Of Himself More Highly Than He Ought

Romans 12:3
[3] For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (ESV)

We have one Bible. We have the revelation of God to man that the Creator wanted us to have. In this wonderful book we come to understand who God is, who we are, and the way for that relationship to be made right through the finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ. There is certainly far more that could have been included in the Bible, but it was not.

Understanding that we are limited in what Scripture tells us should cause us to ask the right questions of the text that is included for us. For instance, when I read this verse, one of the first things that comes to mind is, "Why is Paul saying that we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought?" "Do Christians tend to struggle with this problem?" If Paul addresses it, there's a reason.

Pride has been an issue with mankind since the very beginning. In the Garden of Eden Adam looked at God's Law and essentially said, "I know better." His sin, like all sin, had pride at its root. Even as believers in Jesus Christ we struggle with pride. We tend to think of ourselves far more highly than we should.

So, how should we think of ourselves? With sober judgment. There should never be shouting matches between two believers who demand that their way is best. There should be two humble servants working together to find out what is most glorifying to the Lord. If we have right relationship with God we will desire that God be lifted up as we are content to be low in our estimation of our self.

Are you known as a "spiritual smarty-pants?" Do you think that you are better than others spiritually or in any other way? Swallow some humble pills. Seek to glorify God and not yourself. It's a problem we all struggle with. You are not alone.